Carole Jean Schmidt

Carole Jean Schmidt (Volpentesta) born November 23, 1945, in Kenosha WI to the late John and Virginia Volpentesta, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2022, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. Carole had an infectious laugh and smile. She lived a life of service and love often sharing how grateful she was for the tremendous joys she cherished in sharing life experiences with her beloved family and friends. On August 26, 1972 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Kenosha Carole married the love of her life, Robert Schmidt Jr. (aka ‘Schmidty’ or ‘Crunch’). Together they would enjoy spending time traveling, eating out, and supporting their children and grandchildren across the globe.

Carole had a huge heart and loved without limits. She approached all relationships with an open heart and ensured Jesus always played an important role in her life. Carole followed her calling to become an elementary school teacher graduating from University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a degree in education and completing her Master degree from Carthage College at the age of 62. Carole taught elementary aged students in the Kenosha Unified School District for 35 years and was given the special honor of Special Area Teacher of the Year in 2004 for Kenosha Unified Schools. She enjoyed being an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and the Kenosha Education Association. 

Using her professional skills and innate ability to nurture children and adults in service to God was always important to Carole. Specifically, she was an avid supporter of St. Mary’s parish where she taught CCD and RCIA, served on the parish council, actively participated in the Adult Christian Formation committee, and was a member of the Catholic Woman’s club.

Carole was eternally grateful for the support system she had in life from her wonderful parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends to her nucleus family. In her words, she lived life to the fullest because of her support system and would want to be lovingly remembered for touching the life of each person she interacted with in hopes they were allowed to see Jesus through her actions and words. She dedicated her life to supporting her family and is survived by her two wonderful sons Robert Schmidt III (and Sara), Ryan Schmidt (and Lisa), grandchildren Bella, Nolan, Emma and Miles, brother-in-law Tony Pontillo, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Carole is preceded in death by her parents John and Virginia Volpentesta, beloved husband Robert Schmidt Jr., sister Donna Pontillo (Volpentesta), and sister-in-laws Bernadine (Joe) Larsen, and Judy Rought.  

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday January 3^rd, 2023, at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. (Corner of 73^rd Street and 39^th Avenue) Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday at the church from 9:30AM until the time of mass. Burial will follow at St. George Catholic Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers memorials to either St. Jude’s Children Hospital or St. Mary’s Catholic Church would be appreciated.

Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations

Stephen P. Casey, Owner and Funeral Director

(262) 653-0667

www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com