Charlene M. Schmid, age 89, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Heartsong in Belleville. Charlene was born to Alvie and Elfa Eichelkraut in the family farm home at the top of the hill overlooking Paoli, WI, on September 29, 1926. She only spoke Swiss that first day of school at the Paoli school but learned English and graduated from there, and then 4 years later from Verona High School in 1944. She married Delmer F. Schmid on November 2, 1946 at the "Swiss church" (mom's words) in Paoli, where she has been a long-time member of the church and guild. They had 2 children, Chardel and Dennis. She and Delmer dairy farmed by Paoli, between Mt. Vernon and Verona before moving to a farmette north of Dayton, east of Belleville. When not farming, mom was selling Dutchmaid clothing in people's homes, selling AFLAC policies and selling Furst McNess products-herself and the many farmer dealers under her. She broke many McNess sales records in her career. Best times were when she made meals for the farmer dealers as they came to get their products from the 2 semis parked by the Dayton and Basco houses. Mom enjoyed photography, music, old time dancing, fishing, bowling, traveling, playing Jass, cribbage, euchre and poker, purchasing lottery tickets and an occasional trip to the casino. Charlene's famous sour cream raisin pies went quickly wherever they showed up.

Charlene is survived by her children Chardel (Dick) Johnston-Middleton, WI and Dennis Schmid Monticello, IA. She is further survived by grandchildren David Schmid-Cedar Falls, IA, Wayne (Eva) Johnston, Sarona, WI and Randy (Anita) Schmid, Dodgeville, WI, and greatgrandchildren, Emmit and Cassidy Johnston, Hunter and Levi Schmid. She is further survived by brothers Alton (Frances) Eichelkraut and Harold (Rachel) Eichelkraut, sister-in-law Esther Schmid, and brothers-in-law Dick Fetherston and Wilbert Schmid, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer, in 2004, and her dear friend and companion of over 10 years, Bert Herfel in late 2014. We wish to especially thank Debbie and Steve Versnik, Justine Schmid, Esther Schmid, Barb Schwoerer, Dr. Lochner, the wonderfully loving people at Heartsong who cared for mom this past 13 months, the people at Home Health United, and the many who helped and assisted Charlene over the years. Everyone knew Charlene as a dear sweet lady.

Visitation will be held at the Zwingli United Church of Christ-Paoli, 1338 County Rd. PB, Belleville, WI from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2016, followed by the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Sara Rabe officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow in the church's basement. A private family burial service will be at the Verona Cemetery.