MADISON - It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Schmoldt announces her passing at the age of 79 on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Her loving family was at her bedside to help support her as she made her transition to the other side.

Mary was born on March 2, 1945, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She was the daughter of Ross and Margaret (Ryan) Hyland. Mary was a lifelong resident of Madison, and that is where she met her future husband, the love of her life, Gerald “Gary” Schmoldt. Their love story began when Gary walked in for ice cream at Bancroft Dairy Fountain Shop, where Mary was employed. Gary and Mary wed on May 2, 1964, and welcomed three daughters thereafter. They shared 60 years of love and memories setting an example of what love and commitment can achieve.

In her younger years, Mary enjoyed spending weekends playing cards with her husband, family and friends. She also enjoyed bringing her girls to watch Gary play numerous softball games through which she created some lifelong friendships. In her later years, she and Gary enjoyed trips to Nevada with her sister and brother-in-law to play the slot machines. Although she found the most enjoyment spending time with her family and grandkids. She had an unmistakable love and pride for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her eyes, they could do no wrong.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gary; daughters, Sandy Bartelt, Michelle (Jeff) Esser and Jodi (Matt) Gehl; 10 grandchildren, Kyle (Sheila) Bartelt, Reece (Kellee Clay) Bartelt, Karissa Esser, Brayden Bartelt, Chandlyr (Connor Pope) Gehl, Madalyn Esser, Kade (Julia Piersol) Bartelt, Morgan Esser, Teegan Bartelt and Nicholas Esser; two great-grandchildren, Leo and Nora Bartelt; and one honorary grandson, Andrew Tuten; brothers, Dick (Janet) Hyland and Dennis Hyland; sister, Patricia (Dean) Thunstrom; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ross Hyland and Margaret Hyland/Batz; her father and mother-in-law, Alfred and Betty Schmoldt; dear friend, MaryJane Steinhofer; and her beloved grandson, Carter Gehl.

Mary had a great sense of humor. She had a lot of sass and an unpredictable ability to catch people off guard by her well placed, intentional lack of filter that her grandkids truly appreciated. We find peace in knowing that she is now pain-free and reunited with her Handsome.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024. A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 3 p.m. on Friday. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

“My mother suffered silently and smiled so no one could tell, so if you see me smiling today, know my mother taught me well.”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mary M Schmoldt

March 02, 1945 - November 06, 2024

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