Joel Karnick
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
Joan Rachel Schmidt, 96
passed away on September 18, 2024, at her home in Park Falls, WI.
She was born on September 27, 1927 to William and Catherine (Wirtz) Brockman in the town of
Hanson, Wood County, WI. She was the 15 th of 16 children.
Joan attended St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Marshfield, WI, graduating as a
registered nurse in 1947. After graduation, she was employed as a nurse at St Joseph Hospital
in Marshfield. On February 19, 1948 Joan married James Schmidt at St Joseph’s Catholic
Church, Altdorf, WI. The couple lived in Marshfield until moving to Park Falls, WI in 1957. After a
brief pause, she resumed her career as a registered nurse at Smith Nursing Home, then Park
Manor Nursing Home and retired from Flambeau Medical Center.
Joan was very involved in St Anthony’s Parish and lived her life as an example of the faith she
strongly held. She could often be found watching the Mass on television, reading her daily
reflections and praying the rosary. Her other passions included her family, reading, gardening,
canning, sewing and baking. Most mornings she could be found sharing coffee and treats with
family and friends during “Breakfast Club.”
Joan was most happy when she was in her garden and with her family. She and Jim grew their
family to include 11 children, 33 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren. Joan is survived by
all her children to include Mark (Rose) Schmidt, Margaret Schmidt, Joel (Susan) Schmidt,
Edward (Jan) Schmidt, Dominic (Susette) Schmidt, Timothy (Kelly) Schmidt, Peter (Kathy)
Schmidt, Amy (John) Singer, Mary (Carl) Hambuch, Philip (Leslie) Schmidt and Edith (Ron)
Hahn.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, James, her parents, William and Catherine
Brockman, eight brothers and seven sisters: Raymond Brockman, Laurence Brockman, Clare
Omholt, Wilbert Brockman, Leonard Brockman, Harold Brockman, Benjamin Brockman, Louise
Kissinger, Roseila Krause, Theodora Osenga, Gerald Brockman, Constance Iverson, Ernest
Brockman, Rita Hasenohrl and Marcella Diedrick.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St
Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls, WI, preceded by a gathering of family and friends from
10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Father Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate. Brunch at the Padua Center will
follow the Mass. A private family interment will be at Nola Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Anthony’s Catholic Service Appeal.
Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.
