Pauline “Polly” Schmidt

Pauline “Polly” Ann Schmidt, age 71, of Beaver Dam, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Waupun Memorial Hospital. She was born on November 13, 1953, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to William and Lorraine (Frase) Ehlers.

On October 30, 1971, Polly married Gary Schmidt at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. Together, they built a life centered on family and love. Polly was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her children and especially her grandchildren.

Polly worked as the scheduling manager at the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen for over 20 years. Later in life, she found joy working as a lunch lady at various schools throughout Beaver Dam. This role brought her immense happiness as it allowed her to see her grandchildren during the school day. Her dedication to her family extended beyond work; she traveled near and far to support her grandchildren’s baseball and hockey games, always their biggest fan.

Known for her candid yet kind demeanor, Polly had a way of sharing her thoughts with honesty and compassion. She was a trusted confidante for her children, offering guidance and support through life’s challenges. Her wisdom and unwavering love were constants in the lives of those who knew her.

Polly’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her legacy of love and kindness continue to inspire those she held dear.

Polly is survived by her husband, Gary Schmidt of Beaver Dam; children, Noah (Jenni) Schmidt of Pardeeville, Rachel Damon (Eric Olds) of Beaver Dam, and Andrew Schmidt (Angela Krueger) of Beaver Dam; grandchildren, Nate (Rosalie) Schmidt and Riley (Brittany) Schmidt, Boston, Addysen, Emersen and Marison Damon; great grandchildren, Lily and Ivy Schmidt, and Charlotte Schmidt; sisters, Phyllis (Dave) Morse and Venita Matheus; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Vivian Fabian; and son-in-law, Bobby Damon.

A memorial gathering will take place at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow at the church on Monday at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Philip Heyer officiating. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.