Linda K. Schmitt

Linda K. Schmitt, age 77, of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. She was born on February 27, 1949, in Readstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Drake) Akright.

Linda found joy in the simple things in life. She loved gardening, spending time outdoors, playing bocce ball, fishing in the creek, and creating beautiful floral arrangements and holiday wreaths. She worked for many years at Kirchoff’s Floral Shop, where she truly loved sharing her creativity and passion for flowers with others.

Linda spent many years as a devoted farmer’s wife, married to John Schmitt, a farmer and the father of her two children, before later finding the love of her life, Tommy Jernigan, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in May 2026.

Above all else, Linda cherished her family. As a mother, she loved being the one who hosted birthday parties, celebrated every season, and always had an after-school snack waiting when her children came home. Becoming a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. She treasured watching her grandchildren grow and embraced the role of being a second mom to them. She taught them how to bake, draw, sew, garden, and appreciate the beauty of everyday life. The memories made at “Grandma’s house,” especially during the summertime, will live on in their hearts forever.

Linda will also be remembered for sitting on her porch with a cup of coffee, watching the birds and wildlife, and enjoying the company of family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome, turning any gathering into a place of comfort, warmth, and belonging. She was creative, determined, compassionate, and loving—everything one could hope for in a mother, grandmother, partner, and friend. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Malinda (Richard Jr.) Aney and Melissa (Jamie Heminover) Schmitt; her stepchildren, Katie Jernigan, Heather (Jernigan) Brown, Jared Jernigan, Brian (Jamie) Jernigan, and Hannah Jernigan; her grandchildren, Emily and Noah Aney, Lila Heminover, Nicholas (Nikki) Stabla, Gerald, Dontae, Quinn, Danyelle, Julien, Braden and Jayden Lyman, and Ashlynn Duncan; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Sandy Akright.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her beloved partner, Tommy Jernigan; her sisters, June Conway and Charlene Bakko; and her brother, David Akright.

A service will take place at Como Community Church, W3901 Palmer Rd., Lake Geneva, WI 53147, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 12:00PM. Visitation will take place at church from 11:00AM until the time of service.

Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Schmitt family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.