Janet P. Schmidt, 82, of Mendota passed away on September 17, 2020 at St. Anthony's Medical Center, Rockford, after a brief illness.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday September 23, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Father Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be Tuesday September 22, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota and from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Janet was born on September 16, 1938 to Elmer and Lillian (Truckenbrod) Bauer. She graduated from LaMoille High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart James Schmidt on October 26, 1957.

She was a beautician for many years. Jim and Janet were members of the Holy Cross Church in Mendota, where Janet was a member of the altar androsary society and sang in the church choir. Janet also volunteered for 20 years at the Mendota Community Hospital, now known as OSF Saint Paul Medical Center. Janet loved spending time with her family playing cards and crocheting. She was a great cook and always had cookies for everyone whenever they came over. She also loved to play the organ and loved gardening. Her kids will always remember their childhood vacations spent fishing, swimming, and sightseeing. Jim and Janet also took many wonderful trips and cruises with friends and other family members. Janet's favorite music was country music and at any time she was ready for another trip to Branson.

Janet is survived by three daughters, Donna (James) Clinton, Debbie (Frank) Gatza and Betty (Rick) Cook; son Dennis Schmidt; nine grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter Carol, her sister Eleanor Geuther, brother-in-law Ralph Geuther, sister-in-law Anna Jegglie, brother-in-law Ron Jegglie and brother-in-law Tony Witczak.

Pallbearers will be Vince Gatza, Joe Gatza, Jesse Clinton, Andy Clinton, Jason Klein, and Austin Ficek.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.merrittfh.com