November 27, 2023 at 4:40 p.m.
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Updated November 27, 2023 at 4:40 p.m.
Schmitz, Helen Lucille (Palzkill)
Helen Lucille (Palzkill) Schmitz, age 89, of Mineral Point passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, peacefully after a short illness at the Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 16, 1934 in Dodgeville, WI at St Joseph’s Hospital to John and Catherine (Rock) Palzkill. She grew up in Hollandale. While attending St. Mary’s grade school in Mineral Point she lived with her Grandmother Annie Rock. Helen graduated from Hollandale High School in 1952. That summer she worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Dodgeville in the kitchen before enrolling in the first Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) class offered at Madison Vocational & Adult School in Madison, WI 1953. She obtained her license in October, 1953 and returned to St. Joseph Hospital until she was married in 1954. They moved to the Schmitz Family farm in Kendall Township where they continued the beef operation which began in 1877. In 1974 after all her children were in school, she obtained employment at the Mineral Point Care Center. She worked there for 32 years as a nurse. After retirement she volunteered. Helen was a member of the Mineral Point Wrestling Club spending countless hours enjoying and supporting the wrestling community. In 1998, Helen & Curly were inducted into the Al Bauman Wrestling Hall of Fame. Helen was an avid supporter of the Mineral Point School District and Mineral Point Athletics throughout her life, and was honored as the 2018 Homecoming Parade Marshal. In 2012 the farm was recognized as a Century Farm at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Mom was always up to the task at hand, driving tractor, unloading hay, home DIY projects, making treasured gifts, gardening, sewing or just having a lovely meal ready. She was well known for her family celebrations, apple dessert, pasty and turkey & dressing. Mom was our biggest fan and made it a priority to attend children & grandchildren’s functions. She loved garage sales and heading “south”. She was an active member of St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Parish. She instilled the importance of family, prayer, the power of St. Anthony and being faithful thru better or worse.
Mom was the heart and soul of our family. Her love knew no limits, and she lived every moment for us. From the smallest joys to the grandest gatherings, she made each memory special. Her passing on Thanksgiving feels almost like a nod from above, as she always poured her love into making our holidays extraordinary. While her physical presence is missed, her love and warmth will forever shape our lives. She was our Thanksgiving blessing, now resting peacefully in the arms of God.
She married LaVerne “Curly” Schmitz on June 19,1954 and were married 58 years. Together they raised eight children. Doug (Kris) Schmitz, Dan (Benita) Schmitz, Connie (Bob) Tibbits, Marcia (Greg) Tonkin, Mark (Jody) Schmitz (of McFarland), Scott (Carol) Schmitz, Michael (Tamara) Schmitz, Todd (Angie) Schmitz, all of Mineral Point. Twelve grandchildren; Tierney (Brian) Keyes, Torrie (Ryan) Hutchison, Todd (Jasmine) Tibbits, Ashley (Justin) Tibbits, Tyler Tonkin, Samantha (Cody) Beyer, Lucas (Laura) Schmitz, McKenzie Schmitz, Boone and Logan Schmitz, Brooke Eagan, Brandon (Danyra) Wilson; 16 great grandchildren Aidan and Brennan Keyes, Justice and Maverick Hutchison, Paxton Tibbits, Landry and Maddox Tibbits, Ava and Jaxon Beyer, Palmer and Miles Schmitz, Olivia Wilson, Keeley and Evie Eagan, Jake and Anna Wilson.
Helen is survived by sisters Dorothy Dodds and Kay Oomens, brother Gene Palzkill, and sister-in-law Barb Schmitz.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband LaVerne; parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law; William and Margaret Schmitz, sisters Mary Carey Nihles, Patricia Stromer Bemus and brother Norbert Palzkill, brother-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s; Jacqueline Palzkill, Myrna Palzkill, Dale Carey, Jim Dodds, Fred Oomens, Robert Stromer, and Vic Bemus, Kathleen (Stan) Nicholson, Harold Schmitz, Donald (Margaret) Schmitz, Bernard (Marilyn) Schmitz, John (Mary) Schmitz, Joe (Marlene) Schmitz, William Schmitz, and Janice (Ralph) Pittz; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.
