Gladys Schmid

Gladys Schmid, beloved mother, wife, grandma, friend, and devoted member of the Verona community, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on August 13, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin, Gladys lived a life defined by creativity and service. Deeply rooted in her hometown, she was a familiar and cherished presence throughout the Verona community. From working the voting polls at every election to organizing arts and crafts fairs for Hometown Days, Gladys made it her mission to stay connected and give back. She was an active member of the Senior Center and led a local chapter of the Red Hatters Club with great joy and flair. A proud woman in the workforce, Gladys also dedicated 40 years to her career with the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations.

Gladys had a lifelong passion for arts and crafts. Whether it was calligraphy, cake decorating, planting endless beautiful flowers, painting, or quilting, she pursued each with talent and enthusiasm. Her home was always a reflection of her creative spirit—especially during the holidays, when she carefully displayed her cherished Christmas villages and Santa collection. Her Christmas baking marathons were legendary, with 15 to 20 varieties of cookies and bars that would be stored away as delicious treats for her visitors well into the spring seasons.

Family was the center of Gladys' world. She married the love of her life, Arthur Schmid, on February 19, 1955. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children they were immensely proud of. Those children, James, Doug, and Teresa, would later marry and give Gladys two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, and two more generations of joy in the form of her six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Gladys was endlessly proud of her family and never missed a chance to share their stories and accomplishments. Later in life, Gladys welcomed a new family member into her heart and her home – her loving cat Panda Bear.

Gladys found joy in simple pleasures: playing euchre (even when she insisted her cards were “terrible”), enjoying vacations in Door County, watching the Brewers, and soaking in a hot summer day. Her love for politics, community traditions, and heartfelt conversations made her a treasured companion and a voice of connection for many.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and two of her favorite men, her husband Arthur and her son Doug.

Gladys is survived by her son James (Ann) Schmid and their children, Christian (Rachel), Samantha (Charlie), and Austin (Courtney); daughter Teresa (Stephen) Mahlik and their daughter McKenzie, and her daughter-in-law Michele Schmid and her children, Justin (Scotti) and Jordan (Elana), as well as by her great-grandchildren: Aidan, Sawyer, Harrison, Liliana, Gabriella, and Scarlett. Gladys is also survived by her very loving, and very loved, cat Panda Bear.

A private burial was held on April 11 at Salem United Church of Christ. A celebration of Gladys’ remarkable 89 years will take place at Avanti’s in Verona on May 31 from 11am-2:00pm.

While 89 years is no small feat, every passing is a reminder that nothing is promised to us. Gladys’ family encourages those reading to take the time to connect with loved ones, get involved in their communities, and find joy in the small things – whether it’s baking a favorite cookie recipe (or 20!), planting Bubblegum petunias, or playing cards around the kitchen table. In honoring Gladys’ memory, may we all strive to live with the same generosity, warmth, and occasional sass that she so effortlessly shared with others.

Finally, Gladys’ family thanks those who helped to keep her smiling, including those at Azura Assisted Living and Agrace.

To view this obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Dr
608-845-6625