Carol (Edelbeck) Niven-Schmitz, at 79.5 years of age, joined her sons & parents in heaven on
Sept 2, 2021.
She was born to Fred & Gladys (Johnson) Edelbeck on March 2, 1942. She lived in the
Wausaukee/Crivitz, WI area, married Daniel J Wolf & lived in the area until her children were all
in school. Life included many difficulties & changes for both her and her children, with the
journey bringing her and the kids to Manitowoc WI in 1980. Carol fell in love with Manitowoc
County and made it her permanent hometown area. In 2006, she met her soulmate and the
love of her life, Gary Schmitz. They were inseparable and had a love/bond which very few
persons will ever know or be blessed enough to experience.
Carol was the State Secretary for TPA (Traveler’s Protective Association) for several years,
retiring only with her departure from Earth on Thursday. She took great pride in this position,
traveling to many conferences and helping persons attain membership.
She and Gary traveled often and all over the US. They enjoyed numerous Brewers game, both
in Milwaukee and AZ. They also traveled to MN for Twins games. She grew to love them
through her love of Gary. Football season was another favorite, Carol with the Packers but also
rooting for the Vikings. She was an avid book reader & very talented in cross-stitch, knitting &
crocheting. There was nothing more joyful for her than making a gift for another person. So
many gifts were made for others through the years, always with the other person’s
interest/love in her creativity.
Those left behind with heavy hearts, to join her one day, daughter, Chermaine “Cheri” (John)
Meissner and their son, Cardan; grandson, James Wolf; great-grandson, Joseph Wolf; her
soulmate and the love of her life, Gary Schmitz; sons, Dave (Lori) Schmitz and Mark Schmitz;
daughter, Shirley (Ken) (Peszynski); grandchildren, April (Eric) Fiala who are expecting a baby
boy in December and Ryan (Andrea) Schmitz; great-grandchild, Elizabeth Schmitz; along with
other grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Minnesota and Michigan; and other relatives
and friends.
Carol was preceded in her entrance to heaven by her parents, Fred and Gladys (Johnson)
Edelbeck; brother, Jim Edelbeck; sons, Peter, Joseph, and James Wolf.
Per Carol’s wishes, there will be a private interment of her ashes at St. John’s Cemetery outside
of Cleveland, WI, with Rev. Dan Borchers officiating. A celebration of her life will be planned for
a later date.
Carol’s family would like to give a huge shout out to her CCU Medical Team and ALL the Staff at
Holy Family Memorial and Froedtert Hospital for the amazing above & beyond care given to
Carol during her week-long fight to stay with us. She’s an amazingly strong woman but
sometimes we are not able to overcome, no matter how much everyone tries, wishes for a
different outcome or prayers for her to stay with us. She is now in a much more peaceful,
joyful, love filled place and we will see her again.
You will be missed, this much is true & on some days, we will be blue
But days will come, a ways down the road, when the pain will lessen & a bit of burden unload
We know deep down where you have gone & know full well you are not alone
As you hear our prayers & we feel you near, may each day which passes mean one less tear
Unending peace & love, time with your three boys, some day we too will share your joys
Our hearts are heavy, tears being shed, but brighter, lighter days are ahead
We love & miss you so, until we meet again, we know you are with us always
A few words penned by your favorite daughter, Love you mostest, Cheri.
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