Anna Mary Schmidt, of Mattoon, died Friday, August 17, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 94 years old. She was born on July 3, 1918 in Mattoon, a daughter of Lambert and Mary (Schattl) Fischer. She married Francis Schmidt on July 27, 1946 in Mattoon. He preceded her in death on September 27, 1986.

As a young woman she played guitar in the Dick Fisher Band and when her children were young she was a 4H leader in Mattoon. Later she worked at the canning factory in Antigo and as a waitress.

Mrs. Schmidt was a member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church, Phlox and the St. Joseph Holy Family Council of Catholic Women. She was a member and past president of the John Owen American Legion Unit 287 Auxiliary, Mattoon and a current member of the Divine-Menting American Legion Unit 525 Auxiliary, Phlox.

She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing cards and Wa-hoo and going to the casino to play Sizzling 777. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends, especially cream cookies for Christmas and dumplings. She loved life and the company of others.

Survivors include three daughters, Suzette (Ronald) Schwanz, Wisconsin Rapids, Jeanette (John) Chrudimsky, Antigo and Judy (Ronald) Beyersdorf, Marion; three sons, Francis "Butch" (Fern) Schmidt Jr., Mattoon, Roger Schmidt, Antigo and James Schmidt, Menasha; eight grandchildren, Paula (James) Golke, Tammy Wisnefske, Heather (Wesley) Wendt, Clint Beyersdorf, Gina (Dan) Parmer, Shayna (Paul) Cappelle, Tiffany (Patrick) Furman and Brittany Schmidt; fourteen great-grandchildren, Kyle, Skyler, Cassie, Marissa, Rebecca, Rachel, Andrew, Arianna, Jacob, Marissa, Ryley, Mariha, Kyarra and Alysia; two sisters-in-law, Nadine Schmidt and Coloma Schmidt; two brothers-in-law, Cyril Schmidt and Donald Schmidt; friend, Judy and special friend, Jena.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Janssen; half sister, Katie Schattl; three brothers, Frank, Lambert and Richard Fisher; half brother, Rudy Fischer; and brothers and sisters-in-law.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Rhyner and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Family Cemetery, Mattoon. Visitation will be 4 - 8 p.m. on Sunday and 9 - 10 a.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

A special thank you to her daughter, Jeanette, for being mom's primary caregiver and friend.

Services