Nancy Lee Schmitz

Nancy Lee Schmitz (age 82) passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her daughters, wrapped in their love, as she left this world to be reunited with her high school sweetheart and husband of 61 years, Lawrence Schmitz.

Her greatest legacy is the family she built—one that remains tightly bonded through shared love, deep friendship, and the values she lived every day. Nancy was the best mom and friend her three daughters could ever ask for. She welcomed her sons in law as if they were her own children as her family grew through love, loyalty, and laughter.

Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Larry, on August 15, 1964. Together they raised their daughters while Nancy helped support Larry through a business career that involved frequent travel. She kept the household running with strength, humor, and grace while creating a home where everyone felt safe, supported, and loved.

During her daughters’ childhoods, Nancy was the mom who truly supported her children in all they did. She coached cheerleading, guided Girl Scouts, and was involved in many other school activities. She later became the best grandma to her grandchildren as she cheered from the bleachers at their sporting events and applauded them at their concerts and plays. In recent years, she delighted in her precious great grandchildren.

Nancy was a natural listener with a gift for empathy who developed wonderful friendships with people she met through her bridge clubs, golf leagues, and anywhere she went. In conversations with friends and family, she always shared thoughtful advice and wisdom and brought humor and enjoyment. She also formed close friendships with neighbors and was well known for dropping by with homemade treats and her gourmet muffins.

She enjoyed golf, bridge, good food, traveling, rooting for her favorite pro golfers, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers with Larry. In recent years, Nancy poured her artistic talents into making handmade cards for children with cancer. She created and donated thousands of beautiful cards to Project Angel Hugs in her hometown of Plymouth. This volunteer work meant a great deal to her, knowing it brought joy to children facing difficult days.

Nancy’s faith was a very important anchor throughout her life. She believed deeply in God’s love and trusted that we will all be reunited one day. She would want her family and friends to celebrate her life, knowing that someday they will share a heartfelt conversation, a round of golf, a game of bridge, or a big warm hug with her in heaven.

Nancy is cherished and survived by her daughters Miki Wise (Joe), Renee Koch (Paul), and Amy Schmitz; her grandchildren Maxwell Frechette, James Wise (Dani), Marcus Wise (Alyssa), and Delaney Koch; her great grandchildren Lucas, Violet, Beckham, Roman, Callahan, and her siblings Tony Noordyk (Freddie), Reta Klemme, Virg Noordyk (Gale), and Dan Noordyk (Dale), along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Schmitz, her parents Anton and Olieda Noordyk, her sister Jackie Noordyk, and her brother in law Jerry Klemme.

Honoring Nancy’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Project Angel Hugs in Plymouth, Wisconsin.