Mrs. Judy Schmidt has passed away. Pioneerland has been hit again for the fourth time in the past two weeks by the death of a Support Staff Person.

Judy and her entire family are one of the staunchest supporters of the corps. She died on February 8th at West Bend’s Froedert St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Since 1983, the Schmidt Family has contributed in so many ways to all of us that is difficult to organize all that they have done. This loss is significant. Judy worked at our Bingo Games, cooked for the corps, ran fun drives, and most recently was a steady hand in the uniform department. It is not difficult to remember her and her sewing machine in the hall with her dog sitting beside her as she made alterations and repairs and looking for the next person who needed help with their uniform.

Prior to having our “everydays” program, during the time Pioneer was in D.C.I’s Division II/III (Open Class), the Schmidt family housed an amazing amount of Pioneer members in their home. One season they hosted 17 young people in their house, plus their own 4 children!

Mr. Schmidt (Curt) drove our buses and trucks, as well as even helping in the food truck (we had a converted school bus that became the cook bus. It was affectionately called, “Nellie.”

Amy aged out as section leader of the front ensemble. Scott and Jeff were both percussionists. Scott even drove the equipment truck his last 2 seasons. Lani, a color guard lady spent 10 seasons with us while performing.

All of the Schmidt children were “class” people, obviously a reflection of their great bringing-up, and were award winners every season. Today, as adults, they are all successful in their careers and marriages. They continue to run (Scott & Amy) the family’s business, “Schmidt Funeral Home” in West Bend, WI., Jeff is a high school teacher, and Lani works for the Sheboygan Police Department (do not speed in Sheboygan! )

It is very difficult to describe what Judy meant to all of us in the corps. Despite her previous health problems that included cancer, she was still always eager and ready to work at each camp or summer season as needed. So many of us have been helped by a Schmidt person in so many ways; as a role model, financial supporter, general help wherever needed, including last minute requests. I do not ever remember any of them answering a request from any of us with a “no” response.

Many people did not know that Judy was of Irish descent. She grew up in Erin, Wisconsin, an Irish settlement.

Thank you Judy for being one of the hardest working members of the corps and always for the corps itself! You instilled in us the true meaning of being, “Better Every Day” taking the pain of long hours and days, all with a smile. We will remember you always as we do the very best that we can for others as you have done for us. We will continue to have a Pioneer Corps. You will be missed! God bless you in your heavenly home!

WE PAY RESPECT