Alice Schmitt

- Alice C. Schmitt, 77, of Sterling, passed away Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at her home. She was born Dec. 17, 1933, in Rock Falls, the daughter of Wayne and Beulah (Blair) Freas. Alice graduated from Sterling High School in 1951 and attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb where she became certified in teaching. She met her husband, Richard in 1954. They were married at First United Methodist in Sterling on December 21, 1957. Alice taught elementary students in the Sterling school system before becoming a mother. In 1967, Richard and Alice opened their plumbing business, Schmitt Plumbing and Heating in Dixon, where she was the office manager until 2000. After her retirement there she spent many hours volunteering as an aide in the Rock Falls elementary school system and received recognition for such as one of the 2005 recipients of the Applause Award. In her free time Alice enjoyed ringing in her church bell choir and playing the piano. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Richard; her children, Allen (Charlotte) of St. Charles, Donna (Steve) Koster of Sterling, and Mark (Debbie) of Sterling; her 7 grandchildren, Allayne, Clayton and Drew Schmitt, Matt, Scott and Jackie Koster, and Madison Schmitt; her brothers Glenn (Dee) Freas, Frank (Marilyn) Freas and Lyle (Cleone) Freas; her sisters, Illa (Ron) Hay and Lois (Ken) Heerdt; and her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers, Robert, Keith, Kenneth and George Freas. Funeral service will be held at 10AM, Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, at New Life Lutheran Church, 3312 East 23rd Street, Sterling, with Pastor Bill Sullivan officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM, Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at the New Life Lutheran Church and from until the time of the funeral service. Memorials to the New Life Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church of Sterling, or United Way's School Supply & Feed My Children Program would be appreciated.