1933
Phyllis
2010
Phyllis Schmidt
November 29, 1933 — May 14, 2010
On Friday, May 14, Phyllis Schmidt, 76, of Marathon, died surrounded by the loving presence of her family, after a day of saying good-byes, music, singing, and laughing.
Born Phyllis Marie Caskey on November 29, 1933 in Phelps, WI, she was the third of seven children of Elmer and Christine (Vonau) Caskey. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, a love of learning, and a connection to the land.
Phyllis began her teaching career at 19 years old and taught primary grades in Laona, Marshfield, Oshkosh, Merrill, Madison, and Wausau. On June 15, 1963, she married Wayne Louis Schmidt. They shared a great sense of a humor, a yen for travel, and the enjoyment of rural life at their farm. Phyllis spent the last 26 years of her career teaching kindergarten and reading at Marathon Elementary School in Marathon, WI.
In retirement, Phyllis volunteered with the Marathon County Retired Educators, the Wisconsin Retired Educators, the Central Wisconsin Reading Council, and the Academic Decathlon. She was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau. She treasured her time with her children, grandchildren, and the rest of her family. She was an avid gardener, a reader, and a hostess who loved to make cookies for her family Christmas parties.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Wayne, children Steve of Greenville, NC; Bill (Georgia) of Raleigh, NC; Kate (Roger) Fletcher of Verona, WI, and cherished grandchildren Emily and Thomas of Raleigh and Garrett and Samuel of Verona. She has six surviving siblings: George (Jane) of Salmon, ID; Fred (Faith) of Phelps, WI; Darlene Caskey Loy of Wausau, Bill of Algoma, WI; Jane (Dave) Johnson of Wausau, and Ruth (Tom) Griswold of Wausau. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and an amazing network of friends.
A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Wausau on Tuesday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Christine and Elmer Caskey Legacy fund (c/o Wisconsin Retired Educators 2564 Branch St, Middleton WI 53562)
Born Phyllis Marie Caskey on November 29, 1933 in Phelps, WI, she was the third of seven children of Elmer and Christine (Vonau) Caskey. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, a love of learning, and a connection to the land.
Phyllis began her teaching career at 19 years old and taught primary grades in Laona, Marshfield, Oshkosh, Merrill, Madison, and Wausau. On June 15, 1963, she married Wayne Louis Schmidt. They shared a great sense of a humor, a yen for travel, and the enjoyment of rural life at their farm. Phyllis spent the last 26 years of her career teaching kindergarten and reading at Marathon Elementary School in Marathon, WI.
In retirement, Phyllis volunteered with the Marathon County Retired Educators, the Wisconsin Retired Educators, the Central Wisconsin Reading Council, and the Academic Decathlon. She was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wausau. She treasured her time with her children, grandchildren, and the rest of her family. She was an avid gardener, a reader, and a hostess who loved to make cookies for her family Christmas parties.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Wayne, children Steve of Greenville, NC; Bill (Georgia) of Raleigh, NC; Kate (Roger) Fletcher of Verona, WI, and cherished grandchildren Emily and Thomas of Raleigh and Garrett and Samuel of Verona. She has six surviving siblings: George (Jane) of Salmon, ID; Fred (Faith) of Phelps, WI; Darlene Caskey Loy of Wausau, Bill of Algoma, WI; Jane (Dave) Johnson of Wausau, and Ruth (Tom) Griswold of Wausau. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and an amazing network of friends.
A celebration of Phyllis’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Wausau on Tuesday, May 18 at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign our family guest book at helke.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Christine and Elmer Caskey Legacy fund (c/o Wisconsin Retired Educators 2564 Branch St, Middleton WI 53562)
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phyllis Schmidt, please visit our flower store.