Eileen E. Schmidt

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Eileen E. Schmidt, 77, of Neenah, died unexpectedly with her family by her side, and moved into her heavenly home on Sunday, June 26, 2022. Eileen was born on July 7, 1944 in Birnamwood, daughter of the late Elmer and Ethel (Tullberg) Johnson, and the youngest of five sisters. She was baptized on Sept. 1, 1944 and confirmed on May 17, 1959. Eileen married her high school sweetheart, Don Schmidt, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wittenberg on Dec. 23, 1961, and they became dance partners for life.

Anyone who knew Eileen knew that she had a heart of gold, placing others’ needs before her own, and providing comfort to all with her words, prayers, and baked goods. She had a way of making someone feel loved and cared for even on the first meeting. Eileen had a servant’s heart, serving her family, friends, church and community in any way possible.

If she wasn’t at church lending a helping hand, she was using her hands to cheer on one of her ten grandkids as she rarely missed an event that her grandchildren were a part of. From Brighter Days dance recitals, music recitals, sports activities, to school programs and graduations — if the kids were in it, she was there. She was also beyond thrilled to attend her first and only great-grandchild, Graier’s, first birthday party earlier this year.

Eileen loved to go on adventures with Don, whether it was their trip throughout Europe, their getaway to Mexico, or a family Christmas trip to Fox Hills, she never stopped moving. Even though her family encouraged her to slow down a bit, Eileen had one speed — fast. Eileen was a dedicated aunt, gladly taking on the role of “mom” to all her nieces and nephews whom she cherished.

Apart from being a doting wife and mother, Eileen worked various jobs. She had a very strong work ethic which she passed along to her children and grandchildren. Even when Joe and Jared outgrew their Post-Crescent newspaper delivery route, she continued to deliver the paper, even breaking an ankle in the process, granting her the nickname “Gimpy.” Eileen then worked part-time at JCPenney’s, where she created relationships with co-workers that lasted years beyond the store’s closure.

She then spent years working at Strong Chiropractic before working full-time for the Neenah Joint School District until she happily retired alongside Don in 2010. However, we all know Eileen could never sit still for long, and she enjoyed her part-time, post-retirement job with Johnson and Weinaug Tax and Accounting Inc. where she loved seeing all the familiar faces that walked into the office.

Eileen was an icon of a woman and the definition of what it meant to be selfless. She lived to serve through the Lord and there simply aren’t enough words to describe her wondrous life here on Earth, and she will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she impacted.

Eileen is survived by her children, Linda Buckli and her children, Nikole Moody and Tyler Moody (fiance Destiny); Sue (Randy) Tews, and their children, Ethan and Alaina; Joe (Sarah) Schmidt, and their children, Katelyn, Mason and Finley; Jared (Tiffany) Schmidt, and their children, Lydia, Clara and Miles and a great-grandchild, Graier. She is also survived by her in-laws: Edward (Carol) Schmidt, Jerry (Pat) Schmidt and Larry Trickel, and many nieces and nephews.

Eileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don, on April 7, 2020, and her sisters, Shirley (John) Hartleben, Charlotte (James) Yaeger, Bette (Larry) Trickel and Mildred Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Peace Lutheran Church, 1228 S. Park Ave. Neenah, with Pastor Ricky Schroeder officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established. Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at ThedaCare Neenah, ThedaCare Appleton and UW Hospital in Madison for all of the life saving efforts and care given to Eileen.

To offer condolences or share a memory of Eileen, please visit www.kesslerfh.com.

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