Wilma (Wojnaroski) Schmitigal

Wilma (Wojnaroski) Schmitigal, age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away at her home, Monday, June 8, 2015. She was born on December 29, 1932 in Raber, Michigan, daughter of Henry and Lorene (Waybrant) Wojnaroski. Wilma was a lifetime resident of Chippewa County. She married Lawrence Schmitigal on July 2, 1949. Together, they built their home in North Raber where they raised their two children. She enjoyed canning vegetables and fruits grown in the garden she and Lawrence maintained. Together, she and Lawrence cut wood for heat and the lumber from which their home was built. Wilma was a former foster parent with the Chippewa County Department of Human Services. Wilma was a past member of the Red Hats, lifetime member of the Raber Amvet Auxillary, member of Friends of Bayliss Library, and member of the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Wilma was an excellent seamstress, making quilts for family members and sewing clothing for her family at a time when buying ready-made was not an option. She also loved to knit, cross-stitch, oil paint, and was a prolific reader. Wilma made many booties for newborns at War Memorial Hospital and hats and gloves for children in need. She looked forward to the yearly “Trip with Grandma” where her grandchildren would take her to various Michigan landmarks. Wilma had a keen sense of humor and strong common sense. Wilma is survived by one son, Chuck (Kathy) Schmitigal of Whitehall, Michigan; one daughter, Lori Tomkinson of Sault Ste. Marie; three grandchildren, Paula (Dean) Smith of Mesick, Joel (Rochelle) Schmitigal of Washington Township, Michigan, and Brandon Tomkinson of Flint, Michigan; three great-grandchildren, Pierce, Bryson, and Adelyn Schmitigal; and her sister, Victoria Wynn of Raber. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings Henry Wojnaroski, Jr., Wilbert Wojnaroski, and Carol Korte. She was also preceded in death by special friend, Robert Traynor. Services will be held Thursday, June 11, at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. followed by a funeral service beginning at 7:00 P.M. Burial will be held Friday, June 12 at 9:00 A.M. at North Raber Cemetery in Raber Township.

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Wilma (Wojnaroski) Schmitigal

December 29, 1932 - June 8, 2015