Josie "Jo" Schmitz

Josie "Jo" Schmitz, 60, of Eldora, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Abels Funeral and Cremation Services, Creps - Chapel in Eldora.

Jo was born on November 27, 1965 to Carol (Vice) and James Fox in Omaha, Nebraska. She lived in Omaha until she was in middle school, then moved to Eldora, Iowa. Jo attended Eldora – New Providence High School, graduating in 1984. Soon after high school, Jo met the love of her life, John. Jo and John were united in marriage in Eldora on July 18, 1987. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Mathew and Kelsey, both born in Heidelberg, Germany during John's time in the United States Army. Jo spent her entire adult life as a stay-at-home mother, doing what she loved the most, taking care of her children. Jo was incredibly energetic and always in motion taking care of the family home and her loved ones. Jo’s health was impacted by Gulf War Syndrome, a result of secondhand exposure to the toxic chemicals and neural agents John was exposed to during his deployment in the Gulf War. When talking about Jo, she will always be remembered for her warmth, caring nature, and love of animals. She was most at home and happy in the great outdoors, enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.

Jo is survived by her loving husband of 38 years John, two children, Mathew Schmitz and Kelsey Schmitz, her mother Jeanette Fox, and eight siblings: Jeanne (Cole) Carpenter, Janet (Brad) Sarchett, Jimmy (Jenna) Fox, Jill (Bruce) Rewoldt, Alan (Sue) Clapp, Rose Kolthoff, Teresa Lewis, and Randy (Sharri) Clapp. She was preceded in death by an unborn child, biological parents Carol Clapp and James Fox, and step-father Felix Clapp.