Annell Schmitt

Annell “Nell” Schmitt, age 71 of Johnston, IA. formerly of St. Lucas, IA died Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA following an extended illness. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, April 12 at noon at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. By Rev. Marvin Salz. Interment is at St. Luke’s cemetery. Friends may visit from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at St. Luke’s Chapel with Rosary at 4 p.m. and Scripture Service at 7 p.m. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral mass. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements. Annell (Johnson) Schmitt was born September 30, 1936 near Holly Springs, Mississippi. She graduated from Holly Springs High School and worked in Memphis, TN prior to her marriage to Earl Henry Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, IA on June 8, 1957. She and Earl farmed near Festina until 2000, when they moved to Calmar. In 2006 Nell and Earl relocated to Johnston, IA. Nell was active in St. Luke’s Rosary Society, serving as an officer. She was a CCD teacher for several years at St. Luke’s Parish, and served as CCD coordinator. She served as a member of the South Winneshiek Community School Board for seven years. Nell was employed by H&R Block and later obtained her real estate license. She was a real estate agent for Haugen Century 21 in Decorah and Dave Kelly Realty in Decorah. Nell retired in 2005 after 25 years as a real estate agent. Nell's survivors include her husband, Earl Schmitt of Johnston, IA. Six children and thirteen grandchildren: Felicia (Allen) Miedema of Urbandale, IA and children, Brent, Darrin, David, and Hannah; Sharon (Dan) Cloud of Glenview, IL and daughters, Rachel and Rebecca; Warren (Sarah) Schmitt of North Sioux City, SD and children, Abigail and Luke; Sheila (Dave) Blanco of Chicago, IL and daughters, Katie and Carli; Chris Schmitt of Des Moines, IA, and son, Wyatt; and Jason (Mary Jo) Schmitt of Ames, IA and daughters, Grace and Emma. Survivors also include her sister: Sue (Travis) Hensley of Huntsville, AL; brother: Hoyt Johnson of Holly Springs, MS; brother: Fred (Joan) Johnson of Oxford, MS; brother: Lake (Marilyn) Johnson of Holly Springs, MS; brother: Trent (Jane) Johnson of Booneville, MS; and half-sister: Donnie (Jim) Pottenger of Billings, MT. Nell was preceded in death by her parents James H. “Jack” and Mary Lee Johnson.