Marcelle Schmit

“I just want to go to sleep and awake in glory.”

These were the words that Marcelle “Marcie” A. Schmit, age 88, of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, shared with her children only days before her death on February 11, 2019, when Marcie went to sleep peacefully, hands folded in prayer, and awoke in God’s glory.

Marcie was born on January 4, 1931 in Irma, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Jennie (Peterson) Lange. She met Eugene J. Schmit and married the “love of her life” in 1952. Together, Marcie and Gene had five children and they wove their life around their children, the church, and community. Marcie was always the person behind the scenes, helping Gene build his business and engage in community service, encouraging him and doing whatever it took to help manage his calendar and the business of life. Theirs was a life and home filled with love, laughter, music, friendship, and faith. Marcie was a woman who daily practiced gracious hospitality. She always had a cup of coffee waiting for friend or stranger, the cookie jars were always filled, and freshly baked bread and pies were constantly served with a smile. Marcie was a dedicated friend, going out of her way to offer rides to shut-ins, running errands for the ill, taking annual Christmas baskets overflowing with her favorite baked goods to family, friends and strangers, or simply sitting and listening with a smile or a tear as so many shared their lives with her.

Known affectionately to many as “Auntie Marcie” or “Grandma,” Marcie was a lover of children. Through the years she opened her home and heart to many children other than her own. And, regardless of which children were in her presence, she loved them, she cared for them, she taught them to be their very best person, she prayed with them and for them, and she served as a model of one who loved and served her God. As a woman of faith, Marcie was deeply devoted to the life of the church. Marcie served in many ways at Grace Lutheran Church: She helped set the table for communion and filled countless tables with fellowship or funeral meals. She hosted youth group activities in her home, she was active in Bible study groups, and she helped in any way possible but always behind the scenes. She never wanted praise for any of her labors of love, but always saw her service to the church, to the community, and to her family as a way of sharing her love for God.

Life was not always easy for Marcie, and yet she loved it and lived it to the fullest. Whether pounding the pavement of New York City or sailing around San Francisco Bay, whether sipping warm beer in Germany or munching on fresh tortillas in Guatemala, whether sitting on her deck and enjoying the beauty of nature or mowing a never-ending lawn, Marcie was always busy. Marcie was a woman who was always up for the adventure of life. But no matter what she was doing, she enjoyed her time with her family – including her church family – more than anything.

Marcie is survived by her children: David (Cathleen) Schmit of Tomahawk, Rev. Dr. Clayton (Carol) Schmit of Stevens Point, Rev. Diane (Estuardo) Dardόn of Prospect Heights, IL, and Donna Schmit of Portage. Her legacy of love and life lives on in her surviving grandchildren: Christie, Michael, Caitlyn, Peter, Hannah, Kyrie, Jake, Brian, and Cathryn and her three great grandchildren, Gabe, Ayla, and Theo.

Marcie is further survived by her brothers – Everett (Helen) Lange of Tomahawk, Arnold (Betty) Lange of Merrill and Harmon (Debbie) Lange of Oregon; one sister – Adeline Saltzman of New Mexico.

Marcie is preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, her son – Brian, and brothers – Delmore Lange and Eldon Lange. Marcie often commented that life with all of its joys and sorrows was in God’s hands.

Today, Marcie holds God’s hand and walks in God’s glory. Her legacy and spirit of love, caring, hospitality, service, and joy for life lives on in all those whose lives were touched by this remarkable woman of faith and love.

The Funeral Service for Marcie Schmit will take place at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. Pastor Mark Ziemer will officiate. Visitation will take place on Friday, February 15 at Krueger Family Funeral Home from 4:00PM until 7:00PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday morning from 10:00AM until the time of service at 11:00AM. Marcie will be buried in Greenwood Cemetery in the spring.

Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com