Laurie Jean Longtine

Laurie Jean Longtine, age 70, of Waukesha WI died peacefully in her sleep on January 31, 2025. Laurie was born in Superior, WI on December 13, 1954, the first daughter of Robert and Carol (nee Berger) Longtine. Laurie spent her formative years in Hayward, WI where she graduated from Hayward High School in 1973.

After graduation Laurie attended the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, beginning her collegiate career, and where she would first meet her future husband, Steve Schmuki, while participating in the University debate and forensic team. In the fall of 1975 Laurie transferred to the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in English Literature spending her last semester in England.

Returning from England she reconnected with Steve and sparks flew. They were married on October 8, 1983, in Mequon, WI and ultimately built their life in Waukesha for the next 41 years.

Laurie was a voracious consumer of books, an avid gardener, and a lover of the outdoors, particularly the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She was known for her sharp wit and determination, and she had an insatiable interest in meeting and getting to know others. She loved a good debate, and no topic was off limits and her passion for writing was unlimited. Laurie was passionate about what she believed in and held strong values.

She was a staunch advocate for the conservation of our natural resources and felt especially protective of the Great Lakes. She spent countless hours working with the Great Lakes Compact Coalition, a group of conservation organizations working to secure a multi-state and country treaty to protect the use of great lakes water. She spent many hours as a board member and volunteer for the Waukesha County Environmental Action League advocating for sound land use practices and waste reduction efforts. She also worked with the Waukesha County Land Conservancy to help protect Waukesha’s best remaining wetlands and natural spaces. Laurie found it especially rewarding teaching within the environmental education program for the Waukesha School District.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband and daughter, Steve and Marta Schmuki, her dear siblings Linda Lundberg (Scott), Steve Longtine (Jodi), Paula Chisser (Mark), David Longtine, and Steve’s sister Alison Sazama (John). Laurie is also survived by her treasured nieces and nephews Nikki, Krista, Arielle, Graham, Lindsay, Ella, Britne and Jonathan. Laurie was preceded in death by her wonderful parents Robert and Carol Longtine and by her brothers-in-law Cary Chisser and Thomas Schmuki.

Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at the Delafield Fish Hatchery Building, 425 Main Street, Delafield. Time TBD. Please use the following email to RSVP, get updates of additional details and let us know if you want to share a “Laurie Story”. 

laurielongtinecelebration@yahoo.com

Laurie’s final wishes were for memorials to be sent to Waukesha County Land Conservancy or Waukesha County Environmental Action League.