Theresa R. Schmelzle

Theresa R. (Stadtmueller) Burbey Schmelzle of Manitowoc, passed peacefully at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls with her immediate family by her side on July 20, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born on September 17, 1942 to John A. and Anna M. (Binder) Stadtmueller at home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She attended Catholic grade schools in Oshkosh (St. Vincent's) and Chilton (St. Mary's), graduating from Chilton High School, Class of 1960, after having been elected Homecoming Queen in 1959. Theresa went on to attend Mercy Hospital SchooI of Nursing in Oshkosh. She graduated from Silver Lake College in 1983 with a double major in Accounting and Management, and then earned a Masters in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University in 1991. Terry founded T. R. Burbey Accounting & Tax Associates in July of 1984 and later sold the practice to Kerber, Rose & Associates in 2003. She also served as an Instructor/Associate Professor at Silver Lake College Business Department for twenty years. Terry was very active in community organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce (Chairman of the Board), Big Brothers/Big Sisters (Chairman of the Board), Manitowoc Historical Society, Capitol Civic Center, Manitowoc Noon Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was also an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (Lay Minister, Lector, Treasurer and Trustee on the Finance Committee for many years) and founder of the Soup for Vets program at the Manitowoc Elks Lodge #687. Over the years, Terry was the recipient of several awards, but her most prized was the Athena Business Woman of the Year Award received in 1989, and the Clipper City Chordsmen HARMONY Award in 2019. Terry is survived by her husband James F. Schmelzle, whom she married in November of 1999; her twin sons Mark (Kristina) Burbey and Michael (Denise) Burbey; grandchildren Gina Burbey and Emma Rose (Tyler) Duessing; brother Franz (Sandy) Stadtmueller; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bob Janssen, Mick McHugh, Pat Stadtmueller, Phyllis Stadtmueller; as well as many nieces, nephews; and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Stadtmueller; brothers and sisters Mary Ann (Howard) Zentner, John F. Stadtmueller, Katherine Janssen, Bob Stadtmueller, Len Stadtmueller, and Margaret McHugh. Cremation has taken place at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel. Relatives and friends may greet the family at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 8100 Brunner Rd., Newton, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Rev. David Beaudry. Following Mass, a luncheon will be held at the church. Committal will take place at the church columbarium after the luncheon. In honor of Terry, please feel free to come casually in your favorite red and white or green and gold outfit – she wanted this to be a happy, memory-sharing event. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in her name at Roncalli Catholic Schools. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care of Terry.