Adrienne Burke Schmitz

Adrienne Burke Schmitz died on August 28, 2021, at the age of 98.Adrienne Burke, daughter of Paul and Ann Burnham Burke, was born in Green Bay, WI, 1922.She attended public school, graduating from Green Bay East High and went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1944 with a lifetime teaching certificate.  During World War II, Adrienne volunteered for the Red Cross while in college and taught at Sturgeon Bay High School after graduation where she assisted her students in establishing their first school newspaper “The Bay Spray”.  

Adrienne married William R. Schmitz on Sept. 1, 1948. They would be married for 72 years. Together they raised three children and lived to know and love their two grandchildren and great grandchild.

   Throughout her lifetime Adrienne’s primary interest was family. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and participating in her community. She was active in the establishment of Wisconsin’s first County Library system, served on the building committee of the new Brown County Library and was a member of the first Brown County Library Board for eleven years serving as secretary and president. She was a life-long member of Garden Club Des Peres, the League of Women Voters, P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter AI, and supported many humanitarian causes. Adrienne was gracious, kind, and thoughtful to her family, her friends, and all with whom she came in contact.  

Survived by her three children and their spouses Eric (Susan) Schmitz, daughters Elsbeth Schmitz, Alison (Jay) Frazier, granddaughters Elizabeth Frazier (Jake Schuppe), Catherine Frazier (Tyler Kunde), great grandson James Frazier Kunde, brother-in-law Peter Nelson, sisters-in-law Mary Bartley, Carol Jean Schmitz, many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Adrienne was preceded in death by her husband William R. Schmitz, parents, her three sisters, Meredith (Mrs. John) Rose, Patricia (Mrs. Richard) Laird, Christine (Mrs. Peter) Nelson. 

 A private memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, much needed donations may be sent to the American Red Cross in Adrienne’s name at:  American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, Iowa, 50037.    Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.