Francine M. Schmidt

Francine Manning Schmidt, at age 81, was born into eternal life on August 21, 2018 after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

She was blessed into this world on December 26, 1936 in Shawano, Wisconsin to Catherine and Edgar Manning. Francine graduated from Alverno College in 1958 with a degree in education. Shortly after, she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Wayne Schmidt.

Francine taught at various elementary schools for 29 years, her career culminating in education at the Fond du Lac Area Catholic Education System. After her retirement in 1999, she was actively involved with the ARC of Fond du Lac, Holy Family Parish, and the Red Cross. A voracious reader, she was also a dedicated member of her book club. Francine found her second home in Pickerel, Wisconsin, where she and Wayne built a cottage in 1971, and spent their time surrounded by loved ones for many years. Above all, she cherished any and all time with her family, who will eternally recognize her kindness, generosity, wit, and steadfast genuity in everything she accomplished.

Francine was preceeded in death by her parents, her sisters, Mary Margaret Roberts and Catherine Carlos; and a son-in-law, Stephen Ross.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne Schmidt; her children Mary (Burt) Philbrick, Susan (Dale) Jenkins, Barbara (Daniel) Steinacker, and Thomas; her grandchildren Lauren Ross, Zachary Philbrick, Alexandria Ross, Katherine Philbrick, Molly Steinacker, and Claire Steinacker. She is further survived by nieces, nephews and in-laws from across the country, many of whom she enjoyed visiting with over the last several months.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 9:00am until 10:45am at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am. Zacherl Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.