Maria (nee Kugener) Schmidt, age 88, of Hobart, passed away March 13, 2016. She was born on August 26, 1927 in Luxembourg to the late Nicholas and Anna Kugener. During World War II, she met the love of her life, an American soldier, Earl A. Schmidt. When the war was over, she moved to America and on October 24, 1947, married Earl in Gary, Indiana. Maria is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Valparaiso. She enjoyed playing Bingo with the ladies in the apartment. Her greatest joy in life was her family and the time she spent with her grandkids.
She is survived by her son, Earl E. (Rhonda) Schmidt; daughter, Julie (Richard) Rans; grandchildren, Nicholas Schmidt, Danny (Marissa) Schmidt, Steven Schmidt, Matthew (fiancée Amber Warren) Cummings, Hunter Rans; one great grandchild, Layne Schmidt; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Earl A. Schmidt; and twelve brothers and sisters.
A funeral service for Maria will take place Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 10:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Elder Michael Beeler officiating. She will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Visitation for Maria will be held Monday, March 21, 2016 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.