Carla Schmitz, of Elcho, WI , died Tuesday April 21, 2015 at her home after a long courageous battle with cancer. She passed away while under the care of LeRoyer Hospice and her loving family. She was surrounded by family, the dog she adored, and in the home she grew up in.

Carla was born July 18, 1949 to Dale and Margaret (VanDuser) Bender. She lived the majority of her childhood in Elcho but the family moved to Delavan, WI where Carla attended high school.

Carla was blessed with 3 daughters and raised her family in La Crosse, WI. She moved back to Elcho in 1992 to care for her father after her mother died. She worked at Langlade Hospital until her retirement in late 2014.

Carla will be remembered for her quick wit and contagious sense of humor. She enjoyed feeding the hummingbirds and would sit on her porch watching them drink from several feeders she had for them. One of her favorite past times was quilting and she often made them as gifts for family. She was also a talented cook who loved to feed a crowd during the holidays.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Margaret Bender.

She is survived by her 3 daughters, Angela Stalsberg of La Crosse, Kimberly Schmitz of Elcho, and Jennifer Schmitz and partner Melanie Dodge of La Crosse. She is also survived by a nephew, Justin Bender and Jessica Schreiber and their son Dakota of Pelican Lake. Carla is survived by her grandchildren, Matthew Schmitz and Bobbi Jo of La Crosse, Ryan Stalsberg of La Crosse, Jessica Schmitz of La Crosse, and Sophie and Claire Schmitz of La Crosse. She also had seven great-grandchildren. Carla leaves behind her beloved dog and constant companion, Lucy, who will be cared for and loved by her daughter Jennifer.

To honor her wishes no services are scheduled.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 103 Elcho, WI 54428.