Gertrude Schmitt

Gertrude was born January 22, 1927, in Antigo, WI, the daughter of the late Frederick and Mamie (Stickney) Theilman. She moved to Wausau, where she met her first husband, Leonard Knoblock. After his death, she opened a daycare and became a foster parent, all while caring for her family. On July 12, 1963, she was united in marriage to Wilbur Schmitt. Together they shared 15 years of marriage before his death in 1978.

For over 50 years, she surrounded herself with children, providing care and love. She was dedicated to those around her and cared deeply for not only her immediate family, but her extended family. She was a practical woman, who found took enjoyment in the simple things. She took pride in her flower and vegetable gardens. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing with Wilbur, puzzles, word search, and playing cards. But her greatest pleasure was being around children.

At the age of 84, Gertrude Hope Schmitt, of Rhinelander, formerly of Wausau, died April 13, 2011, under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice, at the Taylor Park Nursing Home in Rhinelander.

She will be missed by her loving family, including 3 daughters, Sandy (Bill) Larson, Rhinelander, Candy (Jim) Russell and Darlene (Bob) Kuik, both of Manitowoc; 2 sons Russell Knoblock, Wausau, Bradley (Rochelle) Schmitt, Manitowoc; 10 grandchildren, Travis (Nicole) Knoblock, Jeremy, Joshua, and Jacob Beaulieu, Sean, Donnie and Alicia Boe, Patty, Chrystal, and Ben Schmitt; 6 great-grandchildren, Tristen, Tyler, and Braden Knoblock, Riley Squires Boe, and Charlene and Bastien Beaulieu; sister, Dorothy Breitenfeldt, Antigo, and many extended family members and friends.

Along with her parents and husbands, Gertrude was predeceased by her daughter, Gail Beaulieu; son, Eugene Knoblock; 8 brothers, Dale, Elmer, Donald, Ralph, Kenneth, Gerald, Louis, and Fritz Theilman; and 3 sisters, Mable Heckert, Myrtle Schutter, and Goldie Schumacher.

A celebration of Gertrude's life will be held at noon, Monday, April 18, 2011, at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Burial will follow at Aniwa Union Cemetery. The family will greet guests from 4 A�A�A½ 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 17, 2011; and again the day of the service from 10:00 a.m. A�A�A½ noon, at the Helke Funeral Home.