Irene (TURNER) SCHMITT

TURNER, SCHMITT, HICKMAN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 7/10/2011 at 22:46:22

Vilas County News-Review
Eagle River, Wisconsin
Tuesday, May 23, 2011

OBITUARY ~ IRENE TURNER SCHMITT

Irene was born in Kellerton, Iowa, to a banker, Gib TURNER, and his wife, Jenny (HICKMAN). She was the older of their two children.

She obtained her Physical Education BA from the University of Iowa, where she met her future husband, Robert W. SCHMITT, M.D.

They moved first to Scranton, Iowa, then joined the VA system and transferred to Minneapolis, then Milwaukee, before residing in Montgomery, Ala., for the five years of World War II.

Immediately following Dr. SCHMITT'S discharge from the Army as major with its associated release from the VA, the family moved to Phelps, Wis., where they lived and worked for 13 years.

Irene devoted much of her time in the early years there working as the first and only radiology technician at the old hospital, also joining the community in fund-raising for its new hospital.

She volunteered in the Congregational Church, the Pilgrim Fellowship youth group and the church choir.

Little time was available for her favorite outdoor activity, fly fishing.

When Dr. SCHMITT was forced to close his practice due to a health issue, they moved to Topeka, Kan., where he completed a residency in psychiatry while Irene supported that activity through the Menninger Winter Wives Association.

In Richmond, Ind., Dr. SCHMITT ran a family guidance clinic before they moved to Santa Maria, Calif. They moved into a San Diego, Calif., retirement community in 1989, wishing to live closer to Larry, their only child, and his family.

Throughout their long marriage, they devoted much time and energy to the needs of the people and community in which they lived. Dr. "Bob" died in 1995.

Even in her final years in an assisted-living facility, she consistently expressed concern for both the frontline staff and residents.

They enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage. Irene obtained her license to fly private planes at the age of 50.

She played good golf from their time in Indiana until five years before she died, just as she loved to drive her car. She was a devoted fan of L.A. Lakers Basketball team.

She died peacefully of heart failure at San Diego Hospice.

She is survived by her son, R. Larry SCHMITT, M.D., San Diego; and two grandchildren, Mark J. SCHMITT, San Diego, and Laura Lynn SCHMITT, Chicago, Ill.

Donations to any hospice in her name would be appreciated.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2011