Kitty Schmidt

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Katherine “Kitty” (Wormley) Schmidt, 84, a resident of Mankato, Minnesota, formerly of Davenport will be 1:00 pm Saturday, February 17, 2018 in the All Faith Chapel at the Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, downtown Davenport. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. The family will greet friends Saturday from 11:00 am until service time at the funeral home.

Kitty died peacefully, Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Mankato, Minnesota.

Katherine Frances Wormley, was born on July 16, 1933. As a youngster, she flourished and especially loved winters spent ice skating on the Vander Veer Park lagoon. She often shared memories of spending time with her beloved grandfather, Harry Pfabe while he made his sales calls to restaurants throughout the Quad Cities. Her mother’s influence enabled Kitty to develop a deep love of music. She loved to sing, a legacy that lasted throughout her life and brought her great joy. Music made her smile and enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Kitty graduated from The Immaculate Conception Academy, Davenport and attended Clarke College, Dubuque IA, graduating in 1955, earning a Bachelors Degree with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry & Philosophy, while actively participating in college activities.

On November 12, 1955, she married Daniel Severance Schmidt of Davenport and together they reared 7 children creating a busy, bustling household of energy and promise. While managing her brood, she was integral to organizing many Davenport Swim Team and Synchronized Swim Club practices and events. Kitty was a successful sales person for The World Book Encyclopedia, and spent endless hours working as a proof reader and medical records transcriber for Fidlar & Chambers Printing Co. She shared her passion for writing, not only with her children, but with area college students by helping them refine term papers. Using her favorite typewriter, she authored a self-supported newsletter, “The Brown House Report”. It focused on educational issues of the time, and was read by local and national leaders, as well as family and friends.

Kitty, a lifelong learner, was instrumental in the formation of Lincoln Fundamental Elementary School. She was an active member of the PTA and through her work on textbook selection committees, developed a calling to become involved in the local educational curriculum for the Davenport Community School System. This inspired her to then run and be elected to the Davenport School Board on the platform of her “Seven Reasons Why”. She held positions on the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, AEA 9 Board, AVA Preacher Foundation as well as member of PEO Sisterhood, The Outing Club and Junior League. An active participant in the political processes, she worked with the Republican Party’s local, state and national efforts, often welcoming candidates and critics alike to lively discussions in her home.

Her inquisitiveness never waned nor did her lively and energetic nature. Her quick smile, wit and ability to banter will be missed.

Memorials may be offered to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra or Quad City Alzheimer’s Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice Wormley and Dr. John M. & Esther Wormley, her beloved husband, Daniel and a brother, Col. John H Wormley, of Sarasota Fl.

Survivors include her 7 children and their spouses: Daniel and Christine Schmidt, Ames, IA; Julie Urban, Davenport, Ann and Douglas Vose, North Mankato, MN; Mary and William Collins, Davenport; Thomas and Chong Ae Schmidt, Memphis, TN; Sarah Schmidt, Davenport and Michael Schmidt, Wilton, IA. Kitty also dearly loved and will be missed by her 18 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A special thank you is extended by the entire family for the wonderful care provided and love offered by the staff of Cottagewood Senior Communities-Mankato as well as the Mankato Hospice.

Visitation

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ,Saturday, February 17, 2018
Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home
614 Main Street Davenport, IA 52803

Funeral Service

1:00 PM ,Saturday, February 17, 2018
Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home
614 Main Street Davenport, IA 52803