Evelyn Schmidt

Evelyn Frances Schmidt, age 88, of Athens, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, Wisconsin. She was born on July 14, 1936 in Marathon City, Wisconsin to the late William and Laura (Vetter) Jansen. 

Evelyn met her husband, William “Bill” Schmidt while working at Marathon Cheese Factory. They were married on May 20, 1967 at Trinity Berlin Church. They were happily married for almost 58 years.

While being a busy mom of four boys, Evelyn was a fantastic baker and cook. She would use many ingredients from her garden and made dishes like dill dip, cucumber salad and she made the best lemon meringue pie. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, darts and going to the casino. During the summer months she loved mowing the lawn. She also had a good sense of humor and loved Beavis and Butthead. She and Bill loved listening to Polka music, every Sunday they had the radio playing their favorite polka station.

Above all, Evelyn loved her husband, children and her grandchildren. Her grandkids will miss those nights on 4th of July, climbing onto the garage roof to watch all the fireworks. 

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Bill Schmidt, children: Scott (Kay) Drake, Bruce (Pat) Drake, and Bryan (Lotti) Drake, 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren and sister-in-law: Betty Jansen. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, son, Gary Drake, brothers: Marcell, Truman, Alvin and Donald Jansen and sister: Ruth Ann Nuemann. 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in the Town of Hamburg. Rev. Joel Danner will officiate. A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service, 903 E Third Street, Merrill, WI 54452. A visitation will also be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. 

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.