Caroline Mary Schmitz

Caroline Schmitz (nee Hileman) was born on December 30, 1946, in Milwaukee, WI to proud parents Lyle and Marion Hileman. She was predeceased by her parents, beloved sister Charlotte, her cherished Nana, aunts, and uncles. Caroline is survived by her loving husband Richard, beloved daughter Stephanie Schmitz-Bechteler and her husband Adam Bechteler, adored grandsons Benjamin and Owen Bechteler, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Caroline was an honor graduate of St. Joan Antida High School in Milwaukee (1964) and attended the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Northern Illinois University. Caroline married the love of her life Richard on January 9, 1971, and they lived a wonderful life together for 54 years. In retirement, she had ample time to enjoy weekly fishing in the summer, attending church, volunteering, watching the Packers, being unbeatable in trivia games, and spending time with Richard and her daughter and family.
Caroline passionately loved to read and had a long and enjoyable career in library management, starting as a library clerk in Milwaukee, spending time at the Watertown Public Library in Wisconsin and the Woodridge Public Library in Illinois, and ending with retirement as the Manager of Circulation at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. She was a tremendous fan and booster of the LTU Blue Devils hockey team. Never one to support things halfway, everyone in the family was gifted at least 10 or more LTU shirts and sweatshirts each from her many happy years at the university.
Caroline was a founding member of the First Neighbor Credit Union on Brady Street in her native Milwaukee. Caroline had a generous heart and proudly served the Saint Vincent De Paul Society in its charitable work. Her love of people and the community and her duty to care and to serve was present in all that she did throughout her entire life.
Caroline will be remembered for her radiant smile, her infectious laugh, and her cheerful demeanor. Her loss is mourned by her family, work colleagues, and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations on behalf of Caroline Schmitz can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul of St. Thomas More Parish in Troy, Michigan. Donations can be set directly to St. Thoman More Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Conference, 4580 Adams Road, Troy, MI,