Mildred Schmitz

Mildred E. Schmitz, 80, Green Bay, passed into eternal life peacefully on Thursday, August 12, 2010 after being diagnosed and living with lung cancer. She was born on February 25, 1930, in Green Bay to Clement and Edith (Gilbert) Babler. She attended St. Peter & Paul Catholic Grade School, St. Joseph Acadamy, and graduated from East High School. On June 7, 1952 she married Richard H. Sizer at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, while Richard was serving in the U.S. Army. Following the Military service, Richard and Millie lived in Milwaukee for a short time while Richard attended the Layton School of Art before returning to Green Bay. Between 1953 and 1956, Millie gave birth to 3 children. Two of her three children from that marriage survive her. Sharon (Steve) Miller; High Ridge, MO., and Dawn Kotlarz; Green Bay. In 1970 at the age of 40, Millie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Millie and her family are so grateful for the skilled hands of the late surgeon, Dr. Harry Danaher, who performed a radical masdectomy, and gave Millie the gift of life for another 40 years. On August 6, 1970 she was united in marriage to Robert Schmitz and for 37 years she considered him her best friend and love of her life. Millie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Green Bay. She lived a life that was guided by an incredible trust and faith in God, an unending love for her husband, Bob, and her family. She was without a doubt, an amazing roll model to her children, grandchildren, and many friends. Millie was employed by Wisconsin Bell and retired from AT&T after 25 years of service. Through Bob's leadership and guidance, and Millie's unwavering support, Wisconsin Bell was brought to task in the mid 1970’s when Millie filed a discrimination lawsuit against her employer when they made the decision to promote her male co-worker instead of her. Bob and Millie not only won that lawsuit that made local and national news, but set an industry standard that is adhered to today. Men and women, with the same qualifications and doing the same job get equal pay. Millie had gained a reputation for not being one to take a seat at the back of the bus. She had an aura about her that left many people calmed just by seeing her present in the room. Millie and Bob loved to travel and crossed the U.S. many times with their two dogs, hauling their camper in search of the perfect trout stream, or to hunt wild turkeys or some other wild game. They traveled to Europe many times with their favorite country being Italy visiting the friends that Bob had made while serving there during World War II. When the cancer was beginning to overtake her, Millie made her last journey to Indiana In February 2010, and in her words, “She had to be there to see her beautiful grandaughter get married,” she simply refused to miss it. Together with her husband, she was supportive of many environmental and community organizations including the Wisconsin Bell Pioneers, Honorary Life member of the Communication Workers of America, 218 Club,and NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) The one accomplishment in which she was most proud was her family. This included her dear husband, her children, grandchildren, Kimberly (Kyle) Davis, Shannon (Mitchell) McDonald, Nathan Van Sell and fiance, Sarah Strecker, A. Kyle (Sarah) Kotlarz and Gregory (Janis) Sizer. Her long time friends that she considered family including; Katherine Manretti, Pat Kampmann, Kathy Olson and Cis Westermen. She is survived by her two daughters, one sister; Janet Gorzlancyk, one brother; Lloyd Babler, one sister-in-law; Fernande Montevideo, great grandchildren,nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, on April 11, 2007, her son; Keith Sizer, her parents; Clement and Edith Babler, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil & Lydia Schmitz; brother-in-law & sister-in-law; Martin & Lorraine Lachat, brothers-in-law; Merlin Gorzlancyk, Stanley Montevideo, Kenneth and Bernard Schmitz. While Millie loved each one of her children infinitely, she had a special place in her heart for her daughter, Dawn, who lovingly cared for her through her illnesses. . Gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, August 16, 2010 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1224 12th Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 P.M. (Noon) with Rev. Timothy Brandt Officiating. Entombment at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. James Jerzak, Aunt Janet, Cousin Beth, and all the staff of Unity Hospice, especially, Miriah, Ted, Nancy and Chaplan Bob for all their care and comforting support of our mother and grandmother during her illness. “She was an extraordinary women, who had an amazing life.”

Mildred Schmitz

February 25, 1930 - August 12, 2010