LaVone A. Schmitz

LaVone A. Schmitz, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026. She was born on September 14, 1937, daughter of the late Harold and Loretta (Lemmer) Roberts.

LaVone graduated from Holmen High School in 1955 and went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In 1961, LaVone moved to Appleton, where she began her teaching career with the Appleton Area School District. She spent the majority of her years shaping young minds at Jefferson Elementary School, where she was known for her kindness, patience, and passion for teaching. She retired from elementary education after more than three decades however she still continued her passion by helping her close friends in their classrooms. On July 18, 1981, she married Gordy Schmitz, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. LaVone found joy in traveling, scrapbooking, card making/stamping, watching her grandkids sporting events, gardening, gathering with teacher friends for coffee or attending plays, and was a member of the red hat society, giving back through volunteer work, and cheering on her favorite teams, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. She will be remembered for her warm heart, beautiful scrapbooks and cards she made, stunning flower gardens, her dedication to her students, and her love of church community.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

LaVone is survived by her son, Steven (Anne Caylor) Jorgenson; step-children: Gary (Wendy) Schmitz, Greg (Maria) Schmitz, Jon Schmitz, and Colette (Roger) Ihde; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Geoff (Gavin, Grant, Beau, Braxon), Sammie  (Savannah, Sophia), and Justin (Rae, Jadon); one brother, Homer Roberts and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, LaVone was preceded in death by her husband, Gordy Schmitz and her sisters: Mary Annen and Nancy Erickson.

A Funeral Service for LaVone will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 601 S. Washington St., Combined Locks. Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Service. LaVone will be laid to rest along side her husband, Gordy, in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

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