Loretta Marie ("Lorry") Schmitt (Gerovac), age 77 of Kaukauna, Wisconsin passed away into the loving arms of her Savior on Thursday, January 7, 2021.  Lorry was born in Ironwood, Michigan on April 30, 1943 to the late Nicholas and Mary (De Pretto) Gerovac.  Loretta married Bernie Schmitt in Ironwood on April 22, 1964.  While still in Michigan she taught with the very first Women's Job Corps Program in the United States, and after that she enjoyed working as a Business Education teacher in Juneau, Wisconsin.  Once Bernie and Lorry moved to Kaukauna, she focused on raising her family.

Lorry was always vibrant, active, and energetic.  During her time in Ironwood she thoroughly enjoyed ice skating, skiing, sledding, and playing golf.  During her high school years she twirled the baton for the High School Band.  She was also a marvelous dancer, even winning a "Twist" competition with her brother Jim.  As the years passed she also enjoyed late-night walks, trips to the ice cream shop for a scoop of "Elephant Tracks" (her favorite flavor), attending her children's sports, dance, and theatric performances, blessing people with her homemade special spaghetti sauce and meatballs, keeping her kitchen clean, hosting Bridge Club get-together's, and staying involved in her local church.

A blessing to everyone she knew, Lorry possessed a marvelous sense of humor that went with an infectious chuckle.  When Lorry smiled her face lit up, and there was a twinkle in her big and beautiful eyes.  She was warm, kind, and could carry on a conversation with anyone - especially over coffee.  At her home in Kaukauna her favorite place was in the recliner in her dining room where she surrounded herself and feasted on Daily Bread prayer journals, numerous Bibles, and a small radio to play her worship music.  Lorry was consistently one who would let you know, "I am praying for you."  She steadfastly honored and served her family while keeping the household in order.  She loved all people, especially her children and grandchildren.  Every year she'd make her down-to-the-minute phone call of the exact time her children were born, retelling their birth story, and affectionately concluding with, "I love you and am so proud of you."

In her stronger days she loved serving faithfully in her church.  Most recently she was a member of New Hope Assembly of God (Encounter Church) near her home in Kaukauna.  Her long life of deep, abiding faith included involvement in various Bible studies, outreach teams, children's nursery, and even leading a youth choir.  She was able to love deeply and extravagantly because of her love for Jesus.  Proverbs 31:25 says, "Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."  Though outwardly her strength slowly became weakness, we have full confidence that she is now dancing, singing, and rejoicing in abundant strength with her beautiful Savior in heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lorry is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bernie; her beloved children: Gina (with husband Drew) Baldacci of Winfield, Illinois, and Jeffrey (with wife Janel) Schmitt of Elk River, Minnesota; grandchildren:  Christopher (with wife Meridian), Chiara, and Cate Baldacci; Titus, Samson, and Noah Schmitt; and her brother, James Gerovac of Bloomingdale, Illinois.

Loretta had so many wonderful close relatives, friends, and neighbors that walked with her through life.  Please know that she loved and appreciated each of you very much.

The funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon, January 16.  With regret, due to COVID concerns the Visitation and Service will be limited to a small, private gathering.  However, for those interested, a recording of the Memorial Service will be available to view on the O'Connell Funeral Home Facebook page Saturday afternoon.  For those attending by invitation the Family Visitation will begin at 11:30 am.  Visitation for friends will begin at 12:30 pm, and the Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 pm.  We respectfully ask those attending to wear masks.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Orphan's Promise - Orphan's Promise | Loving & Serving Orphaned & At-Risk Children .