Lori Kaye Schmitz, age 63, of rural Cashton, WI, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Merit Health River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, Mississippi.
Lori and her twin sister, Lisa, were born on December 21, 1962, in Nebraska to Lee and Janet (DeNaeyer) Colburn. From an early age, Lori possessed a fearless spirit and an unwavering determination. She was never one to be told she couldn’t do something. Whether riding broncs and bulls or facing life’s greatest challenges, Lori met every obstacle with grit, courage, and resilience.
She graduated from Viroqua High School and later met the love of her life, Carlton Schmitz. They were united in marriage on May 21, 1983, at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church on St. Mary’s Ridge. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and perseverance, and were blessed with two daughters who became the center of Lori’s world.
Lori worked for many years at Valley Pride Meat Plant until a workplace injury in 1993 changed the course of her life. In 1998, she suffered her first anoxic brain injury relating to that injury. Through determination and hard work, Lori made remarkable progress during her recovery while living in Louisiana. In February 2025, she faced another devastating challenge when she suffered a second anoxic brain injury after going into cardiac arrest. True to her nature, Lori refused to give up. She continued working tirelessly to regain her independence, completing a six-week rehabilitation program in Houston, Texas, before relocating to Mississippi. Her perseverance throughout these challenges inspired all who knew her.
A woman of strong opinions, a generous heart, rib-breaking bear hugs, and a contagious laugh, Lori had a gift for making people feel loved. She had a remarkable talent for turning everyday moments into cherished memories. Whether she was cheering on her loved ones, offering her uniquely honest advice, acting as a protector, or giving those around her a hard time, Lori left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Lori’s heart belonged to the simple joys of life. She loved the excitement of the rodeo, the peace and hard work of farm life, gathering with family, and enjoying good food. She found happiness in life’s ordinary moments and treasured the people who shared them with her.
Lori leaves behind the love of her life and devoted husband of 45 years, Carlton “Carly” Schmitz; her daughters, Heather Schmitz and Nichole Schmitz; and her cherished grandson, Gavin Moore, who brought immeasurable joy and motivation to her life.
She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas (Mary) Colburn, Debora Schmidt, Anita (Patrick) Treffery, Maria (Jay) Larson, Lisa Bryant, and Michael (Diane) Colburn; brother-in-law, Walter (Emily) Schmitz; sister-in-law, Anita (Raymond) Zimmerman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Lee and Janet Colburn, and her in-laws, Raymond and Francis (Frederick) Schmitz, whose values of strength, perseverance, and family she carried with her throughout her life.
Lori’s legacy is not measured by the years she lived, but by the lives she touched, the strength she demonstrated, and the love she freely gave. She taught those around her that life’s challenges are not meant to defeat us, but to reveal our courage. She taught those around her that life isn’t about avoiding the storms, it’s about dancing through them, preferably with a smile, a good meal, and people you love by your side. Through every hardship, she continued moving forward with determination, humor, and hope.
As Lori would likely remind us: life is short, love those closest to you, laugh often, and never give up. She will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church on St. Mary’s Ridge, WI. Father Eric Berns officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Family and friends were invited for a visitation at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
