Anita M. Schmidt (Scheckel)

Anita M. Schmidt, 75, of Springbrook, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at home surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. A visitation for Anita will be from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Friday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and again Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the church. Anita was born April 9, 1940, in Spragueville, Iowa, the daughter of Matt and Leona (Weis) Scheckel. She graduated from Marquette High School, Bellevue, Iowa. She was salutatorian of the class of 1958. Anita married Vincent R. Schmidt on May 30, 1959, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Springbrook. She, along with her husband and children, farmed near Springbrook for 53 years. Anita devoted her life to caring for her family and community, especially individuals with developmental disabilities. Anita was among the founding members of the organization known today as DAC, Inc., and served as a board member from 1973 to 2005. Anita was also a member of the Bellevue Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Anita lovingly prepared an estimated 60,000 delicious meals for her family and friends during her married life, using farm-raised meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit. She enjoyed gardening, doing puzzles and traveling with her husband. She will be remembered as a kind, patient, strong, beautiful, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed by her family, community and all who knew her, especially her husband of 56 years, Vincent; children, Mark (Sharon) of Dubuque, Carolyn (Jerome) Bies of Springbrook, Joan Schmidt of Bellevue, Catherine (Henry) Bernal of Maplewood, MN, Daniel (Melissa) of Bellevue, Mary Schmidt of St. Paul, MN, Steve (Lisa) of Bellevue, Mathew (Jeanna) of Bellevue, James (Heather) of Eldridge, IA, and Patrick (Shanna) of Solon, IA; 29 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Beulah Kramer of Naples, FL and Nora (Joe) Conner of Richmond, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Myrl Scheckel. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, nurses of Mercy Hospital (third floor) and Dr. Schulties for their care and compassion shown to Anita. In lieu of flowers memorials to Anita's favorite charities are appreciated. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com