Bernice Theresa Schmitz, age 99, of Argyle, Mo., passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022 at Stonebridge Westphalia. She was born on March 21, 1923, the eldest of six children, to Edwin and Genevieve (Renfert) Wildhaber. Bernice completed 8 years of grade school and 3 years of high school in Argyle. She was nicknamed "Sis" by all of her sisters and brothers whom she helped raise while her parents ran the downtown family business, the Wildhaber Store and Restaurant.

Bernice was married on October 17, 1946, to Victor Anton Schmitz at St. Aloysius Church in Argyle. They raised four children and were happily married for 39 years until Vic's death (age 64) on January 31, 1986.

An active member of St. Aloysius Church, Bernice joined the adult choir at age 14 and was a member of St. Ann's Sodality.  She served the community in many ways including activities with the Extension Club and 4-H Club Leader of sewing classes. She purchased her first Singer sewing machine as a teenager, and her talent as a seamstress led to making custom wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and women's and children's apparel for family and for hire.  She enjoyed making beautiful pieced quilts and pillows for her children, grandchildren and others with the log cabin pattern being her favorite design.

Bernice was a charter member of the Argyle VFW Auxiliary, serving one year as President and 56 years as Treasurer.  She prepared wonderful meals and desserts, loved to dance (especially waltzes as taught to her by her father), and enjoyed playing dominoes and card games. She held various jobs through the years in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Meta, Linn and Freeburg.

Surviving to honor Bernice's memory are her four children: Barbara Jane Schmitz, Argyle; Jerome (Jerry) Victor Schmitz, Jefferson City; Mark Gerard Schmitz and his wife Donna, Argyle; and Audrey Ann Schmitz and her husband Ken Crowder, Tonkawa, Oklahoma. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Chris and Joe Schmitz, Cassie Bushong and Angela Bax; five great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Mary Ann Wildhaber and many nieces and nephews.  She was especially loved by her niece Susie Moody of Alaska.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Vic; siblings Marceline Branum, Doris Wankum, Kenneth, Ralph, and Francis Wildhaber; sister-in-laws Laurine and Arlene Wildhaber; brother-in-laws Ralph Branum and Greg Wankum; nephews Richard Branum and Richard Dudenhoeffer; and nieces Karen, Janice and Dorothy Dudenhoeffer. In addition, she was preceded in death by all nine sister and brother-in-laws on the Schmitz side of the family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Argyle, with Reverends Ignacio Medina and Basil Tigga officiating. Preceding Mass will be an 8:30 a.m. Rosary and V.F.W. service followed by Visitation from 9 – 11 a.m. Burial in St. Aloysius Cemetery will follow the Mass. Under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Memorials are suggested for Masses in memory of Bernice, donations to St. Aloysius Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mrs. Bernice Schmitz at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com