Elvira Schmidt

Elvira A. Schmidt, 93, Wausau, joyfully accepted God's call to eternal life on January 8th 2012. Elvira was born March 7th 1918, the daughter of Herbert and Ella (Gaeu) Hackbarth, in Merrill, WI. She was baptized Easter Sunday, March 31st 1918, and affirmed her faith at her confirmation, May 20th 1931, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Schools and family farm-life were a joy. She was employed at Merrill Candy Company and for four years dipped a multitude of chocolate candies.

On June 11th 1938, she married Raymond J. Schmidt and moved to Wausau. Ray accepted God's call to eternal life on May 15th 1979. They were charter members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, teaching Sunday and vacation Bible school, Bible study classes, being a Walther League counselor, and was an active member of various ministries and the church council.

She "served the Lord with gladness" in the organization of St. Mark's Ladies Guild. Soon she was LWML Zone Chairman, the Northern Wisconsin District President and served 20 years as parliamentarian. Gratefully, she served her 8 years on the International LWML Board of Directors, where as LWML Hospice Chair, she was instrumental in finding holiday vacation time with LWML members, for foreign students at the LCMS Seminary, St. Louis, MO.

Elvira was also active in the International Lutheran Layman's League, and in 1990, was the first woman awarded the Layman of the Year Award. As public relations director for the Northern Wisconsin District LCMS, she served at district and synodical conventions, the first Great Commission Convocation, and the United States Congress of Evangelism.

Elvira asked God to open other avenues where she could serve and He did; with the Lutheran Hour Ministries, Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to Christ, as speaker for the American Bible Society, the Lutheran Braillers, and Camp Luther Booster Club, sharing God's great outdoor ministry. She assisted in establishing the Bethesda Thrift Shop and served as volunteer coordinator for years; volunteered at Marywood Convalescent Center, Wausau Hospitals, and on the auxiliary board. She was a member of the Valparaiso University Guild and served as Guild President. Elvira served with a grateful heart and always said, "To God Be the Glory."

Elvira and Ray especially cherished all the special times with their son Jerome's family, with their granddaughters, and recently with her great-grandsons. They annually took time out from Ray's building business, she the bookkeeper, to enjoy God's scenic creations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and the islands of Bermuda, Bahamas, and Hawaii.

Her husband, Raymond; their son, Jerome R. Schmidt; sister, Revelda Schield; sister-in-law, Edna Zuelsdorff; and brother-in-law, Clarence Schield all preceded her in death.

Survivors include granddaughters, Dr. Danielle (Dr. Michael) Csaszar and Krista (Chad) Ludwig, both of IL; great-grandsons, Gabriel, Nolan, and Liam Csaszar and Jake and Luke Ludwig, all of IL; brother, Kurt (Mildred) Hackbarth, Schofield; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 13th, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Family will receive guests on Friday, at the church, beginning at 9:30 a.m., until the time of service. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lutheran Hour Ministries, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, or a mission of your choice.