Thelma Margaret Schmelzer, 98, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on May 14, 2012, at Whispering Winds. She was born on February 10, 1914, in Sturgeon Bay to David and Sarah (Donlan) Hunt. Thelma was baptized, took first communion, and was confirmed at Corpus Christi Church. She also graduated from eighth grade at Corpus Christi School. As a teenager she enjoyed swimming and earned a Red Cross Life Savers Badge. During High School, Thelma spent two years at the Sawyer School and two years at the Sturgeon Bay School. After graduating from High School, Thelma worked for several businesses, including Woolworth’s and the Miller Clothing Store. On August 26, 1935, she married Delbert Schmelzer at Corpus Christi Catholic Church; he preceded her in death on April 24, 1983.

In 1936, she moved to Forestville where she raised her family. She was a 4-H Club leader and active in the Forestville Homemakers Club. She also worked as a clerk during the elections in Forestville. Thelma baked beautiful cakes for birthdays, weddings, first masses, and many other occasions. She joined Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood and was an active member of the Christian Mothers and had served as president. She was the first Lady to be lector and Holy Eucharist distributor. Thelma received a plaque of honor for her services to the parish. She also worked for the missions and made quilts for Brother Regis and did so even after her open heart surgery.

Survivors include 7 children, Patricia LeBotte, Algoma; George (Barb) Schmelzer, Sturgeon Bay; Paul Schmelzer, Caldwell, ID; Richard Schmelzer, Green Bay; Robert (Gloria) Schmelzer, Forestville; Michael (Bonnie) Schmelzer, DePere; Mary (Frank) Roznik, Maribel; 29 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Ruth Potier and Arlene Schmelzer; 2 brothers-in-law, Joe Schmelzer and Lewie Peterson. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband; parents; 1 infant son, Donlan; 2 brothers, Donlan and Quentin; 3 sisters, Anna DeMelle, Josephine Peterson, and Sister Mary David (Rosalie).

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 19, 2012, at the Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood with Rev. Anthony Birdsall and Deacon Paul Zenefski officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Name of Mary Church.

The family would like to especially thank Whispering Winds and Aseracare Hospice for their wonderful care and support.