Mary Jo Elizabeth Schmitt

Mary Jo Elizabeth Schmitt entered eternal life on February 3rd, 2025, at 83 years old in the comfort of her beloved home. A true servant of the Lord, Mary Jo dedicated her life to others, always placing the needs of those around her before her own. Her love for her family, friends, and community was boundless, and her acts of kindness left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Born on August 18th, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during World War II and in the aftermath of the Great Depression, Mary Jo developed a passion for reading and became a lifelong learner from a young age. In 1962, she graduated from Saint Agnes School of Nursing in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where she forged lifelong friendships and cultivated her passion for healthcare and service. Mary Jo served as a dedicated Registered Nurse for more than five decades, with the majority spent in addiction services and at correctional facilities. Among numerous volunteering commitments, her most valued experience came from volunteering at the Blandine House for 40 years, where she counseled residents struggling with addiction. Her profound empathy, limitless kindness, and unwavering advocacy for those in need shone through in every aspect of her life.

Mary Jo married in 1963 and started a family with the adoption of four children. The Adoption Creed was her mantra to her children: “Not flesh of my flesh, not bone of my bone, but still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute, you did not grow under my heart, but in it.” Mary Jo is survived by her children, Jeanne M. Alba (Detert) married to Darrin, Kristine T. Noyes (Detert), Thomas G. Detert married Michele, and Kevin P. Detert married to Rebecca. She is lovingly referred to as Nana by all her grandchildren: Kayla, Tyler, Kendell, Annabelle, Henry, Taine, Brody, Hannah, Kieran and Kamdyn. Nana was blessed to become a great grandmother and had a very special bond with her littles, Brooklynn and Leila. She is also survived by a host of other family members who she cherished, Steven, Jennifer, Bentley, Brett, Brittney, Brianna, Andy, Lainey and Quinn. 

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Herman Schmitt, and two sisters, Geraldine and Mary.

A visitation to honor her life will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM followed by a service on Thursday, February 13th, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 4th St. Way, Fond du Lac, WI. Mary Jo’s legacy of love, compassion, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com