Margaret “Marge” Schmidt, age 97, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 16, 1928 in Haugen, WI to Frank and Stella (Schultz) Musil and attended school in Haugen.

Marge went on a train and moved to Chicago, Illinois for 6 months and lived with her aunt. She moved back to Haugen and worked at a dime store and as a house keeper in Rice Lake. Marge was married to Kenneth Schmidt on June 15, 1948 in Haugen, WI. They dairy farmed at Lone Pine Dairy Farm in the Township of Rice Lake for many years.

Marge was very active at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake where she was in charge as the Funeral Lunch Coordinator and also volunteered at St. Joseph School for many years. She was known as Grandma Marge.

Marge was also a volunteer at Lakeview Medical Center/Marshfield Medical Center in Rice Lake. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and socializing with her family, friends and neighbors. She always had a smile on her face, very uplifting and encouraging to everyone that she met. Her home was open to anyone and everyone to enjoy a cup of coffee and something freshly baked.

Marge loved being with her family. Marge’s family meant the world to her and her home was where all the gatherings were held. Her home was always filled with food, love and laughter.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Gordie) Novinska; 2 sons, Gerald (Amy) Schmidt and Bruce (Jill) Schmidt; 8 grandchildren, Josh (Alissa), Colten, Chase, Cory (Cris), Kody (Abby), Jannette, Stephanie (Tommy) and Ryan (Kassidy); 10 great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Elaine Musil and Germaine (Sherman) Paulson; a brother-in-law, Bud Livingston; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Schmidt; her parents, Frank and Stella Musil; 2 sisters, Betty Livingston and Jeanette Heinbuch; and a brother, Bernie Musil.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Noon, Friday February 13, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rice Lake, Bishop James Powers and Father Phil Juza officiating, with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in Rice Lake.

Visitation will be held from 9AM-Noon Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements. The family would like to thank - Home Sweet Home and Marshfield Medical Center Rice Lake Hospice for all the love and care that was given to Marge. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Joseph Catholic School or Church.

Last Update: Feb 10, 2026 10:02 am CST