Jeanne Carole Schmidt, nee Colle, (83) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on February 22, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength & devotion to her family & friends.

Jeanne was born on March 15, 1941 to J. Edgar & Martha Colle in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the third of seven children.

She & her husband, Richard Schmidt, shared an incredible 63 years of marriage, a testament to their love and commitment to each other. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising five children who carry forward her values, wisdom and kindness. She also found immense joy in being a grandmother to her ten grandchildren.

She was a strong woman and the heartbeat of her family. Jeanne poured her love and energy into raising five children: Darryl Schmidt (Teri Sippel-Schmidt), James Schmidt, Chris Schmidt (Sally Fischer), Jennifer Schmidt (Brian Van Klooster) and Kate Schmidt Sommerville. Her home was a place of laughter, song, delicious meals and open-heartedness. She nurtured and cherished each of her children, instilling in them confidence, compassion for others, competence, kindness and a strong work ethic.

Her unconditional love and resilience shaped who we are today.

As a grandmother, she showered each grandchild with affection and unwavering support, as well as a listening ear. She created lasting memories with them all: Michael Schmidt (Anna Buck), Madelyn Schmidt, Isabel Schmidt, Eric Schmidt, Noah Dinan, Emery Fischer-Schmidt, Ari Dinan, Guy Van Klooster, Cole Sommerville and Piper Sommerville.

Beyond her immediate family, Jeanne cultivated countless relationships with the extended Colle clan, her Reiman Publications colleagues where she worked for 20 years, and through friendships she developed throughout her life.

At St. Alphonsus Parish she served as President of the Christian Women's Association, contributing greatly to countless fundraisers, variety shows and school events. Jeanne was a loyal sister and friend, an amazing card player and puzzler. She had an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile that lit up her sparkling blue eyes. Jeanne was resourceful, clever, and generous. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or to offer a word of encouragement. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jeanne is survived by her sisters, Betty (Bob) Pillar, Gloria Colle, Kathy (Donn) Kirchhoff as well as her brothers, Herb Colle and Ron (Biba) Colle. She is preceded in death by her sister Rose (Andy) Revers as well as Herb's wife Claudine.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at New Berlin Hills Golf Course- 13175 W. Graham Street. New Berlin, WI 53151. Visitation begins at 1pm until time of service at 2pm.

All are encouraged to celebrate Jeanne with food and beverage immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ( https://www.lls.org/ ) and ProHealth Care Foundation ( https://www.prohealthcare.org/ways-to-give/donate/ ).

Mom, you were our guiding light, our safe place, and our greatest blessing. Your memory will forever be cherished in our hearts. Be at peace knowing that you have left behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire us all. We will love and miss you forever.