Joan Schmidt

Joan "Ann" Schmidt, 83, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Garden Crossing at North Central Health Care. Ann was surrounded by family as she moved to a better place.
Ann was born September 7, 1933, to William and Elsie (Haehlke) Hanke. Her mother died when Ann was young. Her father later married Flora Stuplich/Hanke. On April 14, 1956, Ann married Dorian Schmidt in Wausau, Wisconsin. Dorian and Ann had one daughter Cindy.
Dorian and Ann owned Schmidt's Bar and Ballroom until 1985. All three assisted in providing a great facility for weddings, anniversaries, banquets, meetings, a snowmobile stop and also sponsored dart ball, pool and softball teams. Ann was the behind the scene hard worker at the Bar and Ballroom, putting in long days to make sure everything was organized, clean and welcoming. After selling the tavern, Ann switched roles to be a caregiver for illnesses that affected her husband, father and daughter.
Dorian died in 1988 following five months of hospitalization for a heart and kidney transplant. Ann was by his side the entire time. After a long illness, her daughter Cindy passed away in 2010; again Ann was by her side and supported her.
Ann loved polka music, ice cream, chocolate and pie. She adored young children and her eyes would light up when a child was in her company. She enjoyed celebrating with family, friends and patrons and had a great sense of humor. She would stay up late to make sure every cigarette ash from the bar and ballroom was taken outside to the trash after bar hours and then would be up early to clean the tavern and be at church services at First English with three or four hours of sleep.
Survivors include a sister, Verona (Emil) Braatz, a brother LaVern (Jan) Hanke, and sisters-in-law, Audrey Schmidt, Jeanne Erdman and Sharon Carlsson. Ann had fifteen nieces and nephews.
Sincere thanks to staff at Primrose (especially Ed and Robin), Harmony, Stonecrest and Garden Crossing (especially Rhonda for her care at the end). Many dedicated health care workers compassionately cared for and loved Ann during this journey. Thanks to Dr. Kristin Whittaker for many years of care and guidance. A special thank you all who took time visited Ann often. especially Lois, Kim, Justice, Chesney, Sharon, Carlene and Jane. For those present at the very end, Joyce, Lois, Carol, Carlene and Jane, thank you for sharing your last goodbye.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October, 27, 2016, at First English Lutheran Church, 402 North 3rd Avenue, Wausau. The Reverend Erik Olson will officiate. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Wausau. Family and friends may call at the Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St, Wausau from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, and again from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.