Larry Schmitz

Lawrence Roy (Larry) Schmitz, 85, Algoma, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2023.  He lived a remarkable and full life dedicated to his family and community right up to his final years battling multiple myeloma and late-stage Parkinson's disease. His mind was sharp up until his last breath.
  Larry was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on May 6th, 1938, to Roy and Dorothea Schmitz.  After high school graduation, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on a track scholarship, graduating in 1960 with a major in Mathematics.  He then earned a Masters Degree in Teaching Mathematics from the University of Santa Clara (California).
  In 1959, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Ann Clare Short.  They moved to Algoma, WI, in 1960 where he began a 30-plus-year teaching career in the mathematics department at Algoma High School.
  Larry had a fulfilling life, indulging in various leisure activities and pursuing his many interests.  He cherished family camping trips, found joy in playing softball, took on side projects like wallpapering, electrical rewiring, and dabbled in rebuilding vintage cars. He kept busy tending his apple orchard and hobby farm. Known for his generous nature and being a jack of all trades, he never hesitated to lend a hand to friends and neighbors.
  For over 60 years, both Larry and Ann immersed themselves within their community, participating in and contributing to Shanty Days, the Wet Whistle Wine Fest, the creation of the Algoma boardwalk, and many various local activities.  With his larger-than-life personality, he would walk into any room or event and become the “life of the party” in minutes, often sharing jokes from his seemingly endless memory of all things humorous.  He will be remembered by his daughters for his unconditional love, sharp mind, wittiness, generosity, kind heart, respectfulness, integrity, and freely given opinions. He will be so sadly missed by his family.
  Larry was preceded in death by his parents and son, Michael.  He is survived by his wife Ann Clare, sister Sharon (William) Huck, by his daughters Maree (David) Baumann, Deanne (James) Andersen, Carrie (William) Krier, Hollie (Tom) Neumann, Heathre (Michael) Mills, son Kevin Schmitz, grandchildren Kristine (Cord) Linville, Rachel (Michael) McClintock, Nicole (Andrew) Laing, Kelly Ann Schmitz, Ryan Andersen, Maura Andersen (fiancé Chris Cutter), Carly Baumann (fiancé Malaki Wessel), Sydney Krier, Edward Mills, and Lillian Mills, great-granddaughter Blair Linville, a niece Shelley Hammer, and nephews, William Huck, Jr. and Scott Huck.
  Family and friends may gather at the Schinderle Funeral Home, Algoma, Friday, October 27, 2023, from 12:00 PM until the time of services at 3:00 PM with Jodi Parins leading the service.
  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Algoma High School mathematics department, and the Algoma High School Track Program.