IONIA — Dorothy Jean “Dot” Schmitz, a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who worked at several longtime Ionia-area businesses, died July 24, 2026, at Whispering Willows Care Facility in Fredericksburg. She was 83.
Friends may greet the family from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation will continue for one hour before the Mass on Monday at the funeral home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2026, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, with the Rev. Chris Podhajsky celebrating the Mass.
Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery in Ionia. Pallbearers will be Tim Glaser, Will Glaser, Josh Praska, Adam Praska, Seth Praska, Garrett Praska and Michael Schmitz.
Dorothy was born August 28, 1942, in Elma, Iowa, the daughter of William A. and Theresa Rosonke Biwer. She grew up in the Elma area with her siblings, Marie, Elaine, Billy Joe, Rose Marie and Dan.
She married William “Bill” Schmitz on April 20, 1963, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Elma. The couple established their home in the Ionia area, where they raised their family and built a life centered around love, faith and togetherness.
Known affectionately as “Dot,” Dorothy placed her family above everything else. She embraced her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and found her greatest happiness in caring for the people she loved.
During her working years, Dorothy held positions at Oelwein Hospital, Ionia Furniture Store, Ionia Funeral Home, the Ionia grocery store and the Ionia Locker. Her work connected her with many people throughout the community, where she became known for her kindness, helpful nature and friendly personality.
Dorothy appreciated life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed gathering with friends for ladies’ and couples’ card clubs, reading a good book, dancing, woodworking and taking bus trips.
Whether she was hosting a card game, helping someone in need or joining her family for a celebration, Dorothy treasured the opportunity to spend time with others. Her smile, laughter and welcoming nature helped make family gatherings and friendships especially meaningful.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Theresa (Phil) Glaser, Suzanne (Ron) Praska, Debra (Daren) Leonard and Tony (Darsi Warnke) Schmitz; siblings, Elaine Schmitz, Rosie Hickey and Dan (Judy Bakken) Biwer; sister-in-law, Judy Stapleton Biwer; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and members of the extended Schmitz family.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Schmitz, in 1985; infant children, Dennis and Joseph; son, Mike Schmitz, in 1995; parents, William and Theresa Biwer; siblings, Marie Biwer and Billy Joe Biwer; brother-in-law, Bob Schmitz; and other members of the Schmitz family.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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