Lou Ann Schmitz
With great sadness we announce Lou Ann Schmitz (Kujawa) born February 8, 1955, in White Creek, WI passed away unexpectedly August 23, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Audrey (Witt) Kujawa, sisters Terri Witt and Carol Hazel. Lou Ann will be dearly missed by her husband Brian, sons Nicholas (Sarah) and Lucas (Amy), brother John and grandchildren Sofia, Emily, Kenji and Alice. She will also be forever missed by Liz Johnson, Grace Schmitz, Jackie Walters, Jana Walters-Porter, Jill Klosa, Mary Beth Ketchum-Walters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lou Ann was always the host of the party, even if it wasn’t her party to host. Hospitality came naturally to Lou Ann. She could whip-up the most delicious food and make anyone feel cared for. It would make your mouth water; it was gourmet comfort food. She was the first cook along side Joanne Klein, at Kenny & Joanne’s Lake View Cafe along the shores of Castle Rock Lake. She loved the “regulars” and would make their food special to order, knowing when they walked in the door, just what they would want.
Later she and Brian opened The Keg and Kettle Bar and Restaurant in Lone Rock, WI and she was like Sam Malone tending bar at Cheers when Norm would walk in. It was definitely a place, “where everybody knows your name”, and they often said as much. Lou would pour a drink and drop a fryer, before the regulars closed the car door. Her tasty dishes were so sought after that retired Green Bay Packer, Gilbert Brown asked her to make her famous soups for his fundraisers.
She loved to play games, spend time with her much loved grandchildren, family and friends. She said once, (while laughing) “I love to laugh!”. Her laugh was infectious and you couldn’t help but join her.
Visitation starting at 12 pm Saturday August 29, 2026, with service to follow at 2 pm at Roseberry Funeral Home in Friendship, WI. Gathering to immediately follow at Easton Town Hall 1163 County Road A, Grand Marsh, WI.
We were deeply saddened and heartbroken by Lou Ann’s passing. We were so sorry that we were unable to attend her funeral, as we were in Oregon at the time and happened to be in Newport, a place Lou Ann had recommended that we visit.
Knowing that, among her many jobs and interests, Lou Ann had enjoyed cooking at senior living centers, we wanted to do something in her memory that we felt would have meaning to her. We sent a bouquet of flowers to a senior living center in Newport that does not often receive flowers, hoping they would bring a little happiness to the residents there.
We will always remember Lou Ann with love and fondness, and we are grateful for the many memories of her. She will be deeply missed.
Sincere condolences to thefamily of Lou Ann. Itt was our pleasure to call her friend.
Our prayers go out to the Kujawa family for the loss of Lou Ann.Will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. I knew Lou Ann for only as short time as a political activist. Prayers for her family.
Our deepest and most heart felt condolances to all of Lou Ann’s family and friends.
Or condolences to Lou Ann’s family. She was one of a kind, and yes she was always laughing. She will be deeply missed. Gail and Joe Torkelson
My deepest sympathies with to her family. I meet and worked with Luann when she worked at Pats 76 cafe when I was a teenager and yes she was the life of the party. She made a lasting impression on me.
I was 17, and working my first “paid” job, besides babysitting, when I met Lou, at Kenny and Joanne’s cafe. I had no idea what I was doing, as a waitress, but my folks and the Kleins were good friends, so I was in! Lou was always barking at me, lol, telling me how to write out the order tickets to make it so she could understand what I was writing in cursive long hand, rather than in restaurant order shorthand (like FF instead of french fries). I started calling her, “Bear”. The name stuck and in the end we became good friends. I have learned a lot from her over the last 40 years, like scrambled eggs are made with milk, but omelets are made with water! I already miss her dearly. Rest in peace, my friend, and maybe make Dad an omelet while you are up there… he likes American fries with his, but I am sure you already know that. Love to all the family and friends.
We’re so sorry for your loss. Our heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. We know there really aren’t words that can make a loss like this any easier, but we want you to know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories you shared with her bring you comfort in the days ahead, and may you find strength in the love of your family and friends. She will be deeply missed.