Kathy Jo Schmelzer

Kathy Jo Schmelzer, of Prior Lake, passed away with her family by her side on September 3, 2026 at the age of 70. She was a wonderful woman, and she will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 3:00 PM with a visitation one-hour prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake.

On April 7, 1956, Kathy Jo Williams was the middle child born to Donald & Marcella (Borchardt) Williams. Most of her childhood was spent in Bloomington where she enjoyed time outdoors at Moir Park. Kathy attended Bloomington Jefferson High School until her senior year when her family moved to Prior Lake.

Following her graduation from Prior Lake High School, Kathy took Correspondence Courses to earn her accounting degree. Over the years she worked for AAA, a law office and a few other jobs before joining her family business in the early 80’s. Kathy was very smart and a hard worker.

As a young woman, Kathy met the love of her life, George Schmelzer. He was a coworker of Kathy’s sister’s boyfriend. Well the set-up worked, because Kathy and George hit it off immediately! Their love grew, and on July 2, 1983 they were married at Kathy’s parents’ home in Prior Lake. In 1996 they settled in Credit River and have been there ever since. Kathy & George’s marriage was blessed with many happy years together.

Kathy had lots of hobbies that always kept her busy. She enjoyed quilting, and made 450 quilts for Quilts of Valor over the years. She attended monthly QoV meetings with the Hastings Quilting Guild. She also enjoyed bowling, square dancing and horseback riding. Kathy liked playing games like Yatzee!, cards and Wii. Kathy was an avid reader and a skilled writer. She has written several mystery novels under the pen name Jo Williams.

There were also many activities she enjoyed doing with her beloved George. Together they enjoyed traveling with some of their favorite trips being to the North Shore of MN and to our country’s beautiful National Parks. George would also take her out in the canoe. Whatever they were doing, they were just happy to be together.

Kathy was a loving, smart, and caring woman. She was so thoughtful and always taking care of the people she loved. Kathy loved to laugh and spend time with her family and friends. She could be stoic and tough as nails, but was also as soft as cotton. Kathy was always supportive, and her loyalty never waivered. She will be remembered always for her gentle spirit and kind heart.

Kathy’s beautiful memory now lives on in her family. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, George Schmelzer; brother, Randy (Deb) Williams; sister, Sherry (Brad) Schlick; nieces and nephews, Kristi (Michael) Hanneman-Titsworth, Mike Williams, Allisen Schlick, Kyle (CJ) Schlick; great nieces and nephews, Jessica, Brandon, Rebekah, Brianna, Aaron, Marcus & Donovan; aunts, Gloria Oveson and Judy (Wayne) Frank; uncle, Roger Borchardt. Kathy was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Don & Marcie Williams; her grandparents and many aunts and uncles.