Mariella Emma Schmitz

Mariella Emma Schmitz

Cedar Rapids

Mariella Emma Schmitz, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Keystone Cedars. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 9-10 a.m. at the church. Private Burial following the Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

Those unable to attend the Mass are invited to watch via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Mariella’s Tribute Wall and share your love and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.

Mariella was born on October 17, 1929, near Kieler, Wisconsin, the first child of Arnold and Lorena Wiederholt. She grew up helping on the family dairy farm, playing softball with her brother and sister, and spending as much time as she could with her books. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Dubuque, and went to work at Roshek's Department Store, and later Interstate Power Company.

Mariella met Robert "Bob" Schmitz at a dance in Kieler. She knew immediately that he would be her best friend, her soul mate, the love of her life. They married on a beautiful sunny Tuesday in September of 1950. They happily welcomed four children, and the family made their homes in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Villa Park, Illinois, then finally returned to Cedar Rapids.

Mariella loved the Cubs and Packers, checking out books at the library, car rides, Target runs, and most of all, visits with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mariella was blessed with wonderful family members and amazing friends whom she loved fiercely. She was much loved in return.

She is survived by her children, Bob (Barbara) Schmitz of Acton, Massachusetts, Mary (Ed) Broders of Cedar Rapids, Barbara Schmitz of Cedar Rapids, and Jim (Roni Beavin) of Riverdale Park, Maryland; her grandchildren, Mike (Stacy) Broders, Jeff (Kristi) Broders, Tim (Sarah) Schmitz, Sarah Schmitz, and Julian Schmitz; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her dear friend, Elaine Blick.

Mariella was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2011; her parents; her brother, Gene Wiederholt; and her sister, Rita Schaefer. Everyone that Mariella left behind is grieving her loss and will forever miss her. All, however, are overjoyed that she is once again dancing in the arms of her beloved Bob.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Keystone Cedars for the loving care and the deep connections they made with Mariella. The family is also extremely grateful to St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and concern they showed our mother. She dearly loved all of you.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice or simply share an act of kindness in memory of Mariella.