Lynn M. Schmidt

Lynn M. Schmidt, 71, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at her home.

She was born on October 3, 1953, in Highland, IL, to Joseph and Genevieve (nee Frey) Korte. On April 28, 1974, she married James “Jim” Schmidt at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pierron, IL.

Lynn grew up in Highland, IL, and graduated from Highland High School in 1971. She enjoyed her teen years as a lifeguard at the Highland pool and would return to lifeguarding as an adult when the Korte Rec Center opened. Between lifeguarding gigs, she worked many years for her dad, and later brother Steve, at Neubauer’s Meat Market. Lynn was a “city girl” when she married Jim, who grew up on a farm in Alhambra. They would compromise on a wooded lot in Northwoods subdivision where they built a beautiful home for their family. She loved her Northwood’s neighbors, both past and present. Lynn was a devoted mother to Kim and Kristin. She was deeply involved in Kim’s Special Olympics activities, where she met many life-long friends. She spent countless hours driving Kristin to dance rehearsals and watching her sporting events. While the kids were growing up, Lynn enjoyed spending time in her pool, hosting many pool parties. She loved to be in her kitchen, especially around the holidays. She made the very best Christmas cookies, requested by many. When Lynn retired from lifeguarding, she trained to compete in the Senior Olympics swimming competition, where she proudly garnered two gold medals. She also enjoyed camping trips with her brothers and cousins. In recent years, Lynn enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Nora, as well as the many family and friends who came to visit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Genevieve Korte; father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Elda Schmidt; and sister-in-law, Debbie Korte.

Lynn is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim Schmidt, Highland, IL; daughters, Kimberly Schmidt, Highland, IL, and Kristin (Stephen) Thole, Carlyle, IL; granddaughter, Nora Thole; brothers, Terrence (Debbie) Korte, O’Fallon, IL, Michael (Linda) Korte, Maryville, IL, Steven Korte, Highland, IL, Stanley (Denise) Korte, Fenton, MO, and Bryan Korte, Highland, IL; many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Link, Inc. (Day Program) in Breese, IL, or to the Region 2 Team (Illinois Special Olympics).

Visitation: Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and Monday, September 29, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, September 29, 2025, 10:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL

Interment: Salem Cemetery, Alhambra, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL