Carol Joanne Schmidt

Carol Joanne Schmidt, 87, of Charles City, died Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, after a string of health issues. Carol, more commonly known as Joanne, Ma, or Grandma Jo, was born Feb. 3, 1936, to Delbert J. and Alice Gail (Woodside) Ries.

Joanne married Arnold H. Schmidt on Sept. 17, 1955, and soon welcomed seven wild sons into their family. She worked at various places throughout her life before retiring from All-States Quality Foods in the 1990s.

She spent all 87 years of life spreading tough love, joy, sarcasm and sass to any and all around her. Some of her favorite pastimes included sewing, reading, puzzle books, and even playing Nintendo 64 with her grandchildren.

She will be lovingly remembered by the families of her sons, Rick (Shelley), Russell (Jeannie), Bryan (Pauline), Leon (Dawn), Doyle, Robin (Melissa) and Rodney (Brandi). Joanne is also survived by her twin sister, Janice Schrage, and brother, Gordon Ries, along with many nieces and nephews.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, several sisters and brothers, her husband of 36 years, Arnold, and one grandson, Jessie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW in Charles City, on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, from 1-4 p.m.

A private family interment will be held at a future date at Sunnyside Memory Gardens.