Elizabeth “Betty” Schmitt, age 73, of Sheboygan, died on Friday, October 23, 2026. She was born on September 19, 1953, in Algoma, WI to the late John and Marjorie Schmitt. She is the 9th child in a family of 11. Her life is a legacy of service to others and finding creative ways to celebrate what each moment brings.
Betty graduated from Algoma High School in 1971, attended St. Norbert College for one year and graduated from Clown at UW-Lacrosse in the 90’s.. Her family, relatives and friends were vitally important to her. She cared for her mom and dad while in Algoma and was guardian for sister Kathy. She dedicated 39 years to her career as a rehabilitation trainer, first working in Algoma and later at RCS in Sheboygan until her medical retirement in 2016.
Betty was naturally intelligent, quick-witted, kind, sensitive, friendly and introspective. Betty’s life in the world was about God, her Catholic faith, her family, friends and exploring the world of art, music, theatre and nature. Her passions/hobbies include photography, drawing, painting, puzzling (words, trivia, 10,000-pieces), movies, Barbershop music (Schmitt Brothers Barbershop Quartet), folk music, solving problems, creating something out of nothing, driving, and traveling wherever and whenever she could. One of her special interests was performing as a registered clown under the names of “Rainbow” and then “Weezer”. She was “the family historian” of past and current generations, family photographer, and a presence that spontaneously lightens the moment with her humorous insights and connectivity. Her sensitivity, knowledge, thoughtfulness and faith in God was not dimmed by her multiple health conditions.
Betty was involved in numerous clubs and societies including Sheboygan Historical Society, Circus Fans of America, American Legion Auxiliary, Friends of Circus, Catholic Women’s Charity Club, Corpus Christi Parish Rosary Warriors, Lindemann Seils Sterling, Wisconsin Historical Society, and Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
Survivors include her siblings, Greg (Polly) Schmitt, of Green Bay, joe (Becky) Schmitt, of Kalamazoo, MI, Mark (Nola) Schmitt, of Weyerhaeuser, Patricia Becker, of Sheboygan, Cindy Schmitt (Tim Reindl), of Oshkosh, and sister-in-law Marietta , of Algoma. Betty is furthered survived by 20 nieces and nephews, 34 great nieces/nephews and 4 great great nieces/nephews and two great-great nieces/nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters – Mary Lou and Kathy, three brothers – Chuck, Jack, and Jim; a sister-in-law Grace, and a brother-in-law Jim White. Her second mother and dear friend Verda Otten of Sheboygan preceeded her in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be celebrated on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2136 N. 21st Street, Sheboygan WI with Fr. Nick Baumgardner officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Algoma, WI at another time.
Betty’s family would like to recognise all health care workers that helped Betty live a quality life with her complicated medical conditions. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to our sister Pat Becker, and dear friends/family Cherie Wadle and Pat Ford-Smith (Hiccup the Clown) whose help allowed Betty to remain in her home.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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