Joan Schmidt

Joan Ruth Ann (Larson) Schmidt, age 74, of Danbury, WI, passed away Monday, September 29, 2014. Joan was born July 22, 1940 in Eau Claire, WI, a daughter of the late Jule and Ruth (Johnson) Larson. She attended public schools in Eau Claire and was a 1958 graduate of Memorial High School. On August 9, 1975, Joan married Edgar W. Schmidt in Eau Claire. They loved their home near Voyager Village where they have resided since 1996, and enjoyed spending the winters in Mesa, Arizona, the past 24 years. Joan was a long time member of Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, in Scott Twp. She was a very talented musician: singing in the church choir for many years, and also singing solos for church services and weddings. She also was an excellent pianist and could “feel” the music while her hands glided across the keyboard. Joan was also known for her unique sense of humor that was clever and witty. Joan loved travelling, going on cruises, shopping, fishing, and camping at Twin Springs Resort in Menomonie, WI. She also enjoyed watching baseball, attending games at County Stadium in Milwaukee to watch the Braves and Brewers, and in Eau Claire to watch the Bears, a Braves AAA team. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jule and Ruth Larson; brothers and wives, William “Bill” (Elsie) Larson and Merlin (Ruth) Larson; sister-in-law, Betty Larson; son-in-law, Anthony Klosowsky; and also members of Edgar’s extended family. Joan is survived by her husband, Edgar W. Schmidt; children: Jeffrey (Sara) Johnson, Carolyn Klosowsky (David Forgac), Brenda Witte (Robert Swanson), and Tamara (Terry) Eckroad; grandchildren: Jason, Andrea, Alix, Taylor, Zander, Stefon, and Molly Johnson; Christine (Dung) Tran, Lauren Sandstrom (Ron Ecklund), and Kara Sandstrom (Robert Deyo); Melissa Witte (fiancé Todd Novak); and Michael Meyer; and great-grandchildren: Aundrey, Alaric, Lacy, and Kylan; brothers: Lester Larson and Clayton (Ruth) Larson; cousin, Janice (Ben) Veelie; and sister-in-law, Barbara. She is also survived by stepchildren: Michael (Barbara) Schmidt, Richard (Diane) Schmidt, and Marcie (Louis) Gorfain; step-grandchildren: Gabrielle Schmidt, John Schmidt, Nick Schmidt, Tyler Campbell, and Justin Campbell; and Edgar’s siblings: Leroy Schmidt, Loren Schmidt, Dean (Bonnie) Schmidt, Phillip Schmidt, Jr., and Joan Willhite, and their families; and many other relatives and close friends. The memorial service honoring the life of Joan Schmidt will be conducted at 2:00 pm (visitation 1:00 to 2:00 pm), Sunday, October 5, 2014, at Lakeside Community Lutheran Church, 28626 County Road H, Webster, WI (Town of Scott), with Pastor Bill Schroeder officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Food Bank at Lakeside Community Lutheran Church are appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.