Visitation: Visitation will be Sunday, July 21 from 4-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Service: Her memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2019 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD
Judi Schmidt passed away July 6, 2019 under Hospice Care in her home with family at her side. Her memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2019 at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD. Visitation will be Sunday, July 21 from 4-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.
Judi was born December 17, 1947 the oldest child of Charles R. “Jim” Mercer and Dolores Brown Mercer. She attended her first 6 years of school at St. Boniface Catholic School before transferring to Sioux City Public schools as a 7th grader. She graduated from Central High School with the class of 1966, and served as the class reunion treasurer for over 25 years. Judi was united in marriage to Charles D. Dorn in 1966 and to this union a daughter, Jodi Sue, was born.
Judi went to work at First Federal Savings in 1967 and enjoyed a nearly 37 year long career. She was the bank’s first female branch manager, first female real estate loan officer and was a top producer every year. She was not happy to be the bank’s first holdup victim. She was named an Associate Vice President in 1984, and joined a handful of female employees when she was promoted to Vice President in 1991.
While at First Federal she became an active community volunteer and was recognized by the bank five years in a row for being a bank top community volunteer.
She joined the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club in 1999 and recently attained 20 years of membership. She was honored as Rookie of the Year in 2000, the Sioux City Club Cosmo of the Year in 2003. She was the second female President of the Club in 2002-2003. She was awarded the Patrick J. Hodgins local award in 2008. While in Sioux City Judi was a member of Nativity Church where she served on Parish Council, Finance Committee, ushered, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and sang in adult choir.
Judi met her dance partner for life, Jim Schmidt, at a singles dance in 2000. They married in July 2003 and Judi was introduced to pheasant hunting, fishing, camping, and country living. They built a home on a 37 acre site south of Canton, SD and moved in in 2008. In their retirement years, they have enjoyed camping, fishing, boating and time spent with kids and grandkids. They have enjoyed spending part of the past four winters in the McAllen, TX area where they formed many close friendships while sightseeing, playing cards and games as well as taking frequent shopping expeditions to Progresso, MX. Judi was a voracious reader and thoroughly enjoyed being part of a diverse group of women and ideas as a member of the Canton Reading Circle. Canton introduced her to MahJongg and she played weekly with two groups in Canton. Although she played bridge occasionally in Canton, she continued to make a monthly trip to Sioux City to play bridge with some gals she’d played with for over forty years. She treasured the friendships she’d made through all these activities.
Judi is preceded in death by her parents and stepparents, a brother, George (Toby) Mercer, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Left to mourn her, husband, Jim, daughter, Jodi Dorn Grice, foster son, Luke Brito (Maria), and four bonus children: Jesse Schmidt, Scott Schmidt, Pam Schmidt McBride, and Dean Schmidt, mother-in-Law Eileen Schmidt and brother-in-law Allen Adrian. Additional survivors include grandchildren, Cashon Grice, Gabe Grice, Garrett Grice, Nicole Brito Portillo (Julian), Tatiana Brito, Jakob McBride, Peyton McBride, and Haley McBride as well as the Portillo four great grandchildren. She is survived by sister, Cathi Mercer Henshaw (Larry) as well as half- sister, Deb Bicknell Eslinger (Mike) and half-brothers, Don Bicknell and Michael Mercer.
In lieu of flowers, Judi requested that gifts be considered to the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club for diabetic children’s camp scholarships, or to Redeemer Free Music.
Our deepest sympathy to Jim and his family. Judi will be sorely missed in our Palm Shadows family. Judi helped us learn the game of Mah Jong and was a very patient teacher. Judi was a lovely lady! We are so sorry to hear of your loss!
Judi, thank you for being such a great and hard working member of our graduating class of “66”. You assisted in putting on a fantastic 50th class reunion which is the only one that I have attended. Thank you for helping make that a very pleasant memory for whatever years the rest of us may still have. Enjoy your rest pain free from now till forever. Amen!
So sorry for your loss. Prayer’s to the family and friends.
So sorry for you loss. Hugs and prayers.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. From a fellow classmate, Central ‘66.
Jim and family I’m so sorry for your loss Judi was a wonderful person and so glad I knew her. Hugs to you all
Dear Jodi and Family and Jim and Family: May Judi RIP and Rise in Glory! We know our Risen Saviour and we will be together again one day!❤️❤️Neil and Sheila❤️❤️
Sending heartfelt condolences for your loss…. Knowing what you’re going through it will take some time…. 🙏
Judy, My beloved girl scout leader and wonderful memory of my childhood. You had a beautiful, kind, giving heart. One of the classiest, funnest women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You made a difference in the lives of many. The world is better for having you in it. My love to Jody and your entire family.
Jodi, my heartfelt sympathy is extended to you and all of your family. I didn’t have the pleasure of getting to know your Mom (except through the stories you’ve shared with me) but it sounds like she was such a beautiful soul. And in reading about her life and accomplishments, she was certainly a woman that loved life and shared her gifts. I’m sure all of you will miss her terribly and I know that no words can make things better but please know I keep all of you in my prayers. Much love
I met Judi in 1992 and found out her great grandmother and my grandfather were sister and brother. Ancestors were traced to the early 1600s in Quebec. A book of these people as compiled and reviewed together about 16 months ago. We enjoyed the visit so much.
Sympathy from a French-Canadian relative,
Janet Jolin Sioux City, IA 712 239-3798.
My sympathy to Jodi and her family and her husband Jim. I got to know Judi through First Federal and she also was a Girl Scout Leader with me. Very fond memories of a very kind and sweet lady. The world will miss you Judi, but heaven has gained an angel. Peace be with all of you at this difficult time.
So sorry Jim… So amazing all the lives she’s touched through the years with her love and kindness… and so many goal she achieved… a very remarkable gal. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers my friend…
Judi was a very personable and capable colleague at First Federal. She had an easy smile and happy demeanor that worked well with everyone. I am sorry to read of her passing and send warm thoughts and prayers to Jodi and Jim and family.
So sorry for your loss Jim, Jodi and family. I only knew Judi for a short time while working at Sunshine
in Canton, but she was a joy to be around. Blessings to all.
My deepest condolences to Jim and the family. I got to know Judi through the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club and always felt that the noon meetings and special events she attended were made much more special because she was there. She was a great example of dedication to our Club and to Jim and her family. Her happiness and positive attitude were contagious. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will continue to burn brightly with our Cosmo Club. RIP sweet Judi, I am so glad I got to know you!
Dan and I are so sorry to hear of Judi’s passing. We got to know her and Jim while wintering in Palma Shadows in Donna, TX. They came over to the SD get together st our place and then she came to my women’s weight lifting class. Her life certainly indicates a huge heart, a sense of humor and love for all.