Alice Mae Schmitz

Alice Mae (Stellmacher) Schmitz, 93, of Grafton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 18, 2026.

Born in Oconto, Wisconsin, to Albert and Madeline Stellmacher, Alice was raised in a large and close-knit family that shaped the values she carried throughout her life. She later made her way to Milwaukee, where she met and married the love of her life, Henry Schmitz. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, hospitality, and unconditional love while raising their four children.

Alice was the devoted mother of Susan (Paul) Keyser, Henry "Chip" Schmitz, William "Bill" Schmitz, and Mary Elizabeth "Emmy" (Brian) Nelson-Biersach. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every opportunity to gather them around her table. She is lovingly remembered by her children, 11 grandchildren Matthew (Sarah) Schmitz, Amy Schmitz, Allison (Nicho) Sorrentino, Kevin Keyser, Jeffrey Keyser, Laura Keyser, Jordan (Zack) Greenwood, Rachel Schmitz, Sarah Schmitz, Daniel Schmitz, Celia Nelson, and two great-grandchildren Hank Sorrentino, Elanor Sorrentino, as well as her many nieces and nephews, all of whom were blessed by her unwavering love, encouragement, and generous spirit.

She is also survived by four of her ten siblings: Mary (Jerry) Sherman, Barbara (Jim) Hadley, Jeanie (Bob) Eckes, and Lester (Rose) Stellmacher. Alice was preceded in death by her siblings Doris (Faye) Peterson, Flora (Allen) Frawley, Gloria (George) Wedgwood, John (Mary) Stellmacher, Bette (Paul) Doud, and Joseph Stellmacher, as well as her grandson Jacob Schmitz.

Alice had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether family, friends, or someone she had just met, no one ever left her home hungry or without feeling cared for. Her kitchen was often the heart of every gathering, where delicious meals, warm conversation, and abundant love were always on the menu.

Kind, compassionate, and selfless, Alice was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She found joy in caring for others, offering quiet encouragement, and sharing her generous heart. She also had a lifelong love of gardening, finding peace and satisfaction in tending her flowers and watching them flourish—a reflection of the care she devoted to those around her.

Alice will be remembered not only for her kindness and hospitality but also for the countless lives she touched through simple acts of generosity and love. She leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, and compassion that will continue through the generations she nurtured.

In addition to her family, Alice will be deeply missed by many dear friends, including her lifelong friends from Oconto and the many friendships she formed throughout her years in Shorewood and Grafton, particularly those at The Providence Place.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Lawlis Family Hospice for the exceptional care, comfort, and kindness they provided during Alice's final days.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM until 11:45 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, Wisconsin 53024, followed by a Funeral Mass at 12 PM. Private family inurnment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Joseph Parish.