Audrey Bevers Schmidt, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, was surrounded by her family as she took her place in heaven on February 15, 2012.

Born on August 31, 1930 to Adrian and Myrtle Bevers of Little Chute. Growing up she loved to chum around with her Depot Street friends, swimming, and dancing. Audrey learned her love for Christmas, "shop till you drop" attitude and taffy pulling tradition from her mother.

On June 14, 1951, Audrey married her soul mate Jerome "Jerry" Schmidt and they were blessed with ten beautiful children. Audrey's house was always a warm and welcoming place with happy conversation, cookies, taffy, and gumdrops in the freezer. Her flower garden was a display of color and beauty. It attracted a variety of birds for her and Jerry to enjoy together. Inspired by her sisters, she began painting later in life. A gifted artist, her paintings will be cherished by her family forever. She said it best herself when she repeated her mother's adage, "When you believe that the family comes first everything else follows."

Audrey formed the Tri-County Homemakers and was an active member for 51 years. For 60 years, she enjoyed time spent with her childhood friends at card club. Audrey enjoyed vacationing with her friends and camping at Boulder Lake. Audrey was a member of the Altar Society at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hollandtown. She also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul's for many years.

Audrey is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Jerome Schmidt, and their children: Nancy (Dennis) Lauer, Appleton; Michael Schmidt, Kaukauna; Daniel (Ria) Schmidt, Waukesha; Karen (Pat) Wickesberg, Appleton; Barbara Schmidt, Madison; LuAnn (Mark) Langenhuizen, Kaukauna; Steve (Robin) Schmidt, Kaukauna; Bob (Janice) Schmidt, DePere; Amy Basten, Appleton; and Lynn (Gary) Hoffman, Sherwood; grandchildren: Laura (Jason) Bell, Jenny (Nick) Brautigam, Katie (Jon Fuller, special friend) Lauer, Jenna (Ryan) Coleman, Jason (Jeannie), Jodi and Joel Wickesberg, Andrew, Emily (Zach Gohr, special friend), and Leah Dercks, George and Lee Langenhuizen, Sara (Jake) Warrens, Audrey and Tyler Kamps, Alex, Casey and Erika Hoffman, Henry, Ross, Cydney, Zach, Anya, Doug, Jordan and Lauren Schmidt; and great grandchildren: Lexi and Tyler Bell, Drew and Ben Brautigam, Noah Coleman, Dylan and Ethan Wickesberg, and Hunter Langenhuizen. She is also survived by sisters, Vivian Skalmusky, Eunice McCabe, Linda (Mark) Hietpas; brothers, Jesse (Sally), Wes (Marge) and Mike (Darlene) Bevers; sisters-in-law, Ruth and Nancy Bevers; brothers-in-law, Norbert (Lucina), Fran (Rose), Fritz (Eunice); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Myrtle Bevers; siblings, Carol, Dave, and Orville Bevers; in-laws, Woody McCabe, Marv Skalmusky, Lawrence and Loretta, Leo and Florence and Bernard Schmidt, Agnes and Ray Bies; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday February 18, 2011 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. FRANCIS CHURCH (433 County Road CE) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Committal St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

A special thanks to Hospice and the staff at St. Paul Home.