Shirley Ann Schmidt

On Feb 7, 2025 Shirley Ann (Loderbauer) Schmidt of Kaukauna, WI, left us peacefully with her family by her side after a brief illness. Shirley was born to Joseph and Donna Loderbauer on July 11, 1962 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Growing up on a farm, she grew to love the simple things in life like flowers and nature. Shirley graduated from Kaukauna High School in Kaukauna in 1980.

Shirley was very family oriented and had a close relationship with her mother, Donna. Shirley was the oldest of 4 children and had a strong relationship with each of her brothers and her sister. Over the years, Shirley went on many trips and had many good memories with each of her siblings, especially her sister, Sherry, whom she now joins for more adventures. Both Shirley and Sherry had the spirit of adventure, sharing countless laughs and memories. 

Shirley worked as a waitress and cook at Country Kitchen in Kaukauna. Later in life, she worked in the office for St. Aloysius selling scrip for the parish. She then became a Disney travel agent and was able to share her extensive knowledge and travel advice with many families through the years. Shirley loved planning all these trips for families and it brought her great joy in helping them.

Shirley and Albert Schmidt were married on May 27th, 1982. Shirley greatly looked forward to being a mother and that wish was fulfilled with the adoption of her two children Maria and Christopher in 1989. Because of her experience with the adoption process this led Shirley to form a local adoption support group called “Fox Valley Friends in Adoption” which helped guide families through the process that she went through. 

Shirley loved to travel and she took the opportunity to do it as much as she could. She travelled around the world extensively and made it to all but one continent. She loved travelling with her family to Disney World in the early 90’s and that passion continued in her life with her visiting the Disney World park in Florida a total of 148 times and other Disney parks around the world. Shirley was a traveller with a plan and she went with her friend Ann many places besides Disney like: throwing beads off of Mardi Gras parade floats in New Orleans and walking the red carpet to attend Elton John’s Academy Award party.

Shirley was a person who loved Christmas and loved large hand cut Christmas trees and all the ornaments that would fit on them including her hand made popcorn garland and her original tinsel that was able to line the tree. Shirley always had a tree with her father’s hand made ornaments he would make every year for his family. Shirley’s passion for beautiful Christmas trees led her to the White House to view the Presidential trees. 

Shirley had a passion for gift giving that was not tied to the Christmas season and she was involved in many local and national charities. Some of these charities that she focused on were: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Behavioral Health at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Give Kids the World, Ryman Arts, Donald Driver Foundation, Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri and many more.

Shirley was known to throw elaborately themed parties, from having polka bands at an Oktoberfest party to show off her custom beer, to Mariachi bands at a Cinco de Mayo party or having the Johnsonville Sausages race around her neighborhood with all of her friends and family there. Shirley was a gracious host that spared no expense and with her special helper and dear friend of 16 years, Stacy, everyone was guaranteed to have a good time.

Shirley had a love of flowers, especially yellow roses. Her Wisconsin home showcased her many peonies and perennials and she knew every flower that grew in her gorgeous garden.

Shirley always had a passion for theatrical performances. Whether she travelled to New York's Broadway or Appleton’s PAC, where she was a season ticket holder, when Mamma Mia or The Lion King came to town, she was bound to be there.

Shirley was a person of simple pleasures. She enjoyed going to Kelley’s Country Creamery in Fond du Lac to have ice cream with her dad or heading to Clarence Miller’s store in Sherwood for her favorite candy - orange sticks. Shirley, who was proud of her Swedish heritage, loved having lunch at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay just to see the goats on the roof and eat their classic food.

You see, Shirley didn't just do things. She knew when the best time of the day or week, or season of the year was. If something required reservations or how to schedule a vacation, the best seat in the house, etc… she knew and if you were her guest you knew it would always be over the top. Her laugh and smile were infectious and her giving spirit unmatchable. She always knew how to make a difference in the world. Even if it was one toothbrush, hat, or “Wish” at a time. The world is a lesser place without her in it. 

Shirley was a grandmother to five grandchildren and loved each one of them beyond any measure. Shirley was a grandmother with a big heart and an even bigger pension for spoiling her grandchildren. She loved to see them laugh and smile.

The Schmidt family would like to personally thank everyone for all of their help and services including: Right at Home and their amazing caregivers, the nursing staff and doctors that took wonderful care of Shirley at Advent Health in Celebration Florida, and Lisa Stage.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 42 years Albert Schmidt, Daughter Maria [Kyle] (Schmidt) Gauthier and their two children Abby and Will, Christopher Schmidt [Jena] and their three children Harlee, Eden, and Liam, [Father] Joseph Loderbauer, [Brother] Robert [Kristine] Loderbauer and their three children [Goddaughter] Jennifer [Troy] Wautlet , Daniel [Bobbi] and their two children, and Allison, [Brother] Richard and Stephanie Loderbauer.

Shirley is preceded in death by [Mother] Donna Loderbauer, [Sister] Sherry Loderbauer.

There will be a funeral Mass for Shirley on Wednesday February 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Katharine Drexel Parish, St. Mary Church, 119 W. 7th Street in Kaukauna. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Katharine Drexel/St. Mary in Kaukauna. Visitation will continue on Wednesday February 26, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM at St. Katharine Drexel/St. Mary in Kaukauna. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Kaukauna.

Shirley in life loved Mickey Mouse and flowers. It is encouraged to wear anything Mickey or Disney you may have. Flowers are encouraged. Monetary gifts will be donated evenly to her above mentioned favorite charities.

Now Mousketeers - there's one thing we want you - always to remember - come along and sing our song and join our family at St. Katharine-Drexel Saint Mary’s site in Kaukauna, WI.