Norma Schmitt, pictured above with a quote that could well be her mantra in life.

If one word were to describe Winnebago Hall of Fame nominee Norma Schmitt, it might be ‘zeal.’

“Norma is Norma, with a heart of gold,” says Schmitt’s nominator, Yvonne Cory. “She just keeps going and going. Her zeal for life is amazing.”

Schmitt has dedicated much of that zeal toward making Winnebago a better place, and her efforts qualify her as an ideal Winnebago Hall of Fame nominee.

Schmitt – a native of San Antonio, Texas – moved to Winnebago with her husband, Henry, and their six children decades ago, and soon commenced what would become many years of community service and involvement – both volunteered and through her career.

“When we came up (to Winnebago), they needed an aid at the hospital, so I learned to be a nurse’s aid,” Schmitt recalls. “What a rewarding job.” 

She also worked for Winnebago Baptist Home for 18 years, and practiced home healthcare. And, when the opportunity arose to use her Spanish-speaking skills, Schmitt went to school to become a certified Spanish interpreter in the mid-1980s – a job which she still performs whenever her skills are needed in the community.

Schmitt has tried her hand at many careers over the years. However, they resemble each other in an important way: they all involve working with, and helping, other people.

When reflecting on her time serving as a healthcare professional, for example, Schmitt says, “I was doing good for people, and that’s a wonderful feeling. It’s one of my passions.” 

She continues, “My other passion is being on-stage. I’ve always been a singer and a dancer.”

Indeed, Cory comments that Schmitt, with her sparkly personality, quickly found her place in many of the county’s arts organizations.

“In her early years, Norma was very active in the community, especially with theater and the arts,” Cory says.

In fact, Schmitt and Cory met when they were both performing for a production in Delavan.

“They put us together, and we put on a darn good show,” Schmitt recalls. “(Cory) is a terrific person.”

Schmitt’s work in the arts touched several organizations over the years. She was a dedicated member of the Winnebago Area Musical Players (WAMP) and she estimates she has performed 18 shows with the Blue Earth Town & Country Players (T&CP). At one point, she also served as president of the T&CP.

Schmitt’s involvement in the arts is just the tip of the iceberg, however. She has also been president of the Kiwanis Club, Winnebago’s Parent Teacher Organization, the Legion Auxiliary and the Lion’s Club.

Additionally Schmitt has served as chairperson for the Faribault County DFL, and even ran for office at one point. She has also served on the board at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and at one time she was a member of Winnebago’s Chamber of Commerce Board.

Though she is in her 90s, Schmitt still dedicates her time to community service as a member of the Muir Library Board and the Community Trust & Improvement Committee.

And, she still puts on regular productions – at KBEW Radio Station, that is.

For many years now, Schmitt has been a news correspondent on behalf of her Winnebago community.

“Norma is dedicated to keeping the news of Winnebago alive,” Cory observes. “She promotes so many places in Winnebago, like the library, new and existing businesses, the museum, the parks, the swimming pool and so much more.” 

Cory adds, “Whoever the radio announcer is, (Schmitt) adds a sparkle to their day in some shape or form, I’m sure.” 

Though she is a regular cheerleader for Winnebago, Schmitt was still surprised when she learned she had been nominated for the community’s Hall of Fame.

“You could have knocked me over with a feather,” she says. “I was just very, very excited. I don’t know what I did – there are other people.” 

Apart from excitement, Schmitt initially felt a little dismayed when she realized she would be the Grand Marshal at Winnebago’s annual Twilight Parade on June 16.

However, Schmitt brought her typical zeal to the opportunity, and ended up enjoying the experience immensely.

“I had so much fun,” she says. “I got to see so many people who I so seldom get to see. It took everything I had just to stay seated.” 

In fact, it seems Schmitt can find the fun in almost any experience.

“I just have fun wherever I go,” she laughs.

And, wherever she goes - including places as far away as her favorite travel destination, Germany – Schmitt tries to be a positive presence in the lives of others.

“You’re not only doing good for others, but it will make you feel better doing something for someone else,” she says. “Don’t think what you’re going to get out of it; think what they’re going to get out of it.” 

She concludes, “Do good for someone else, and you’ll get paid back double.”