Donna J. Schmitz

Donna J. Schmitz, 65, of Silver Lake, KS, passed away October 24, 2016 at the Healthcare Resort of Topeka.  She was born in Wichita, KS, on October 11, 1951, to Palmer and Eileen (Howard) Dietz.  Donna was a first grade teacher at Silver Lake Elementary School for over 30 years.  She had a great love for her family and her students.  She will be missed by all.  Donna was a member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church.  Donna married Urban Schmitz on July 5, 1997 in Topeka.  He survives.  Survivors also include four children, Jason Woolington, of Topeka, Matt (Julie) Schmitz, of Bend, OR, Nate Schmitz, of Oakland, CA, and Aaron Woolington, of Las Vegas, NV, her mother, Eileen Dietz, of Park City, KS, sisters, Paula Rader and Sharon (Bob) Dir, of Wichita, grandchildren, Drake McMillan, Cade McMillan and Avery Woolington, all of Silver Lake, along with numerous nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her father Palmer Dietz, and a niece, Michelle Dir.  Donna will lie in state after 4:00 p.m., Thursday, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  A Parish Rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, at the church.  Interment will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested for the Silver Lake Public Schools Foundation or MTCC sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. To view Donna's tribute video, please click here:  <iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/Y5YQS5Z8BT4FQSGY" width="512"></iframe>