Edith Schmidt

1923 - 2013

Schmidt, Edith J.

Edith J. Schmidt, 90, a longtime Sturgeon Bay business woman, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2013, at the Skilled Nursing Facility at Ministry Door County Medical Center where she resided since 2010.

Edith was born Edith Josephine Martinek on March 19, 1923 in Cudahy, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Kovar) Martinek. She graduated from Cudahy High School and on September 26, 1942, married Milton "Bud" Schmidt at St. John's Lutheran Church in Cudahy. Bud preceded her in death on January 1, 2002.

In 1946 Edith and Bud opened "Bud's Sport Shop" (later Bud's Sport & Marine) in Cudahy and operated it until 1958. Edith and Bud later built, operated and then sold three A&W Drive-Ins in St. Francis, Hales Corners and Hartford, Wisconsin, later returning to operate the Sport & Marine shop for several more years. They moved to Sturgeon Bay in 1968 where they raised beef cattle and became real estate brokers (opening and operating Lakeview Realty). Edith also ran Lakeview Gifts for many years.

Edith and Bud were known as "Bubbles and Buddy, the Happy Clowns." They participated in many parades in Door County and Green Bay, as well as in The Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee and Sarasota, Florida. They particularly enjoyed bringing smiles to children with life threatening diseases.

Edith was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, many clown organizations and the American Legion Auxiliary (she was proud of her 60 year pin). Edith had many hobbies throughout her life including sewing, playing piano and organ, singing, word puzzles, church activities and travel.

Survivors include her four children, Dr. Robert Schmidt M.D. (and his friend Carolina Woo) of San Francisco, Atty. Patrick (Dewey Caton) Schmidt of Milwaukee, Nancy (Dr. Robert D.D.S.) Schrank and Mary Green both of Sturgeon Bay; six grandchildren, Dr. Eric (Ph.D.) (Soo) Schmidt of Salt Lake City, UT, Edward "Teddy" (Gemma) Schmidt of San Francisco, Michael Green of Sturgeon Bay, Dr. Peter (M.D.) (Christina) Schmidt of Seattle, Christopher (Paul) Lemons-Schmidt of Chicago, and Jamie (Dan) Kiesl of Fox Point, WI; five step-grandchildren, Stacy (Brad) Anding of Eau Claire, Justin (Annette) Schrank of Greenville, Dr. Melanie (M.D.) (Chad) Rohloff of Appleton, Kendra Kawala of Lake Bluff, IL and Erick Kawala of Santa Clara, CA; five great-grandchildren, Gavin and Phoebe Schmidt, Madison Anding, Abigail Rohloff and Isaac Schmidt; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband, parents, beloved grandson, David Schrank; three brothers and three sisters.

The family thanks the staff of the Skilled Nursing Facility for their excellent, thoughtful and attentive care during the past three plus years.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, and a devotion will be led by Pastor Joel Sauer at 7:45 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 108 W. Maple St., Sturgeon Bay, on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Darrick Kolterjahn officiating. A reception and lunch will follow immediately after the service. Burial will take place at Blossomburg Cemetery in Fish Creek after lunch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Edith's memory to St. Peters Lutheran Church and School.

Sign online guestbook and offer condolences at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com