DelRose G. Schmitt

DelRose G. Schmitt, age 85, of Potosi, entered the Eternal Kingdom of Happiness on Saturday, March 29, 2025. She was born on April 30, 1939, in Iowa, the daughter of Romanus and Elverda (Steines) Junk. Romanus died when DelRose was only five. Elverda married Hubert Engling and he raised DelRose as his own. On January 6, 1962, DelRose was united in marriage to Robert J. Schmitt at Rickardsville, Iowa. They were taken to their reception in a horse drawn sleigh. After their marriage the couple farmed in Iowa and moved to Wisconsin in 1966 where they continued to farm. DelRose was also employed at Friedman’s, Gibby’s, and Grant Regional Hospital, retiring at age 80. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, card club, ceramics, and mowing the lawn. DelRose was famous for her “homemade turtles.” She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. DelRose will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her children: Shirley (Brad) Straka; Matt (Jennifer Vesperman) Schmitt; four grandchildren: Brian (Ashley) Straka, Allen (Rachel) Straka, Tyler (Alyx) Schmitt and Nathaniel Schmitt; five great-grandchildren: Bailey, Harlo, and Harper Straka, and Zackary and Michael Schmitt; her brother, Hugh “Junior” (Sue) Engling; sister, Darlene (Clarence) Gensemer; daughter-in-law, Tabetha Creasy-Schmitt; son-in-law, Matt McKinney; a sister-in-law, Diane Engling; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Romanus Junk and Elverda and Hubert Engling, DelRose was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1992; children: Sherry in 1979, Michael in 2004, and Sandy McKinney in 2007; and her brother, Clifford Engling.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tennyson with Father Steve Brunner officiating. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a DelRose G. Schmitt Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Potosi is assisting the family.