Shirley Ann (Croatt) Schmitt

Monday, September 11, 2017 1:45 pm

Shirley Ann (Croatt) Schmitt, 76, of St. Lucas, died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at the Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home in Decorah from complications of Parkinsons. Her husband and children were with her by her side. Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, St. Lucas, with Rev. Kyle Digmann officiating. Mass servers were Tate Langreck and Dylan Reicks. Cross bearer was Carter Baumler. Organist was Kathy Meyer. Cantor was Evie Milbrandt. Soloist was Dan Silhacek. St. Luke’s Choir also sang. Hymns were “Amazing Grace,” “Ava Maria,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Goin Home” and “How Great Thou Art.” Lectors were Regan Schmitt, Gracie Schmitt and Carter Baumler. Offertory gift bearers were Mary Lynn Baumler, Nancy Kuennen, Gerald Croatt and Dorma Wieck. Eucharistic ministers were Barb Reicks, Tammy Schmitt, Bradley Schmitt and Brian Schmitt. Casket bearers were Shirley’s grandsons: Darren Schmitt, Alexander Schmitt, Justin Fonley, Hunter Baumler, Caleb Kuennen and Riley Schmitt. Interment was at St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery in St. Lucas. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Shirley Ann (Croatt) Schmitt was born April 7, 1941, to John and Blanche (Tierney) Croatt on the family farm near Waucoma. Shirley graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Waucoma in 1959. She was united in marriage to Alex A. Schmitt Oct. 15, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. They were blessed with six children: Dennis, Darrell, Dean, Mary Lynn, Nancy and Wayne. She farmed with her husband, while raising their six children.Shirley enjoyed gardening, baking, going to garage sales, attending grandkids sporting events and going to the casino. Her favorite room in the house was her kitchen where she found great pleasure in baking and hosting many family gatherings. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.Shirley and Alex loved the vacations they took with friends over the years. Shirley was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, National Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Luke Catholic Church and Rosary Society.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband, Alex, of 56 years, of St. Lucas, along with their six children and their spouses: Dennis (Glenda) Schmitt, St. Lucas, Darrell (Tammy) Schmitt, Spillville, Dean (Cheryl) Schmitt, St. Lucas, Mary Lynn (Brad) Baumler, Grimes, Nancy (Deano) Kuennen, Granger and Wayne (Denise) Schmitt, Waucoma; 21 grandchildren: Darren (Carley) Schmitt, Brian (Dana) Schmitt, Brad (Brittany) Schmitt, Derek Schmitt, Jordan Schmitt, Alexander Schmitt, Ty Schmitt, Cole Schmitt, Gracie Schmitt, Justin (Morgan) Fonley, Brandon Schmitt, Hunter Baumler, Carter Baumler, Trever Baumler, Caleb Kuennen, Cade Kuennen, Regan Schmitt, Riley Schmitt, Raquel Schmitt, Ryann Schmitt, Rolin Schmitt; great grandchildren: Seamus Fonley, Kora Fonley, Ellie Schmitt and Brynnlee Schmitt; one sister, Dorma (Dale) Wieck; one brother, Gerald Croatt; two brothers-in-law, Edmund (Norma) Schmitt, West Union and Gerald (Rosetta) Schmitt, St. Lucas; sisters-in-law: Elaine Croatt, Lawler, Lucy (Urban) Dietzenbach, Cresco and Helen Noska, West Union.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John and Blanche Croatt; mother and father-in-law, William and Anna (Kuennen) Schmitt; brother, David Croatt; three sisters-in-law and their husbands: Rita in infancy, Della (Leo) Langreck and Irma (Leonard) Bullerman; brothers-in-law, Arthur (Agnes) Schmitt and Gene Noska.

Shirley’s family would like to extend special thanks to everyone for their prayers, caring concerns and many acts of kindness shown to them. Special thank you to the loving staff at Barthell OES Home for their wonderful care.