Caralee Schmerse, age 76 of Markesan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 9, 2019 at the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation for Caralee will be held on Thursday, August 15 at Markesan United Methodist Church, 74 W. Catherine St., Markesan from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kyochul Shin officiating.  Interment will take place immediately following at Markesan Memorial Cemetery.

Caralee Anne Schmerse (Thompson) was born on November 21, 1942 in Darlington, WI to Mervin and Elta (Pattinson) Thompson. She graduated from Darlington High School in 1960 and furthered her schooling at the Green County Teacher's College (GCTC), graduating in 1962 with a teaching degree in elementary education. It was at GCTC that Caralee met Nathan Schmerse, and they married on August 11, 1963 at the Lamont United Methodist Church.

Caralee accepted a teaching position with the Markesan School District as a third grade teacher and taught for 3 ½ years before resigning to become a stay-at-home mom. During her time raising her children, she also cared for many other children in her home daycare. Once her children were in school, Caralee returned to the Markesan School District as a classroom aide until her retirement.

Caralee was known in the community for her sewing ability for alterations, weddings, and sports teams. She was active in 4-H and carried on with her children as a 4-H leader. Caralee was awarded the Green Lake County Homemaker of the Year award. Caralee also enjoyed quilting, many of which can be found in her and her children's homes. She enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, MO and to other cities and states for gospel concerts. Caralee was also an avid collector of angels as a symbol of her faith. But most of all it was her family that meant the world to her. She enjoyed spending the holidays and other occasions together making sure that everyone was well fed.

Caralee is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Nathan of Markesan; her three children, Jenalee (Brian) Moore of Richland Center, Jennifer (Robert) Ostertag of Oshkosh, and Jathan (Amy) Schmerse of Neenah.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren whom she was very proud of: Landen, Nolan, Collin and Keaton Moore, Hannah, Breah, Kirah and Grant Ostertag, and Lukas, Benjamin, Jonah, and Emma Schmerse.  Caralee is further survived by her brother, Dusty (Becky) Thompson of Darlington, sisters-in-law, Nancy Thompson of Madison, Evelyn (Ralph) Krauss and Doris Schmerse of Monroe, and brother-in-law James (Beverly) Schmerse of Clinton, Iowa and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Caralee was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Jonathan in 1979, brother, LeWayne Thompson, sister, Cheryl Thompson and brother-in-law, Laverne Schmerse.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Caralee's name.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of ThedaCare-Appleton and the Gold Cross ambulatory staff.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.