Funeral Service for Annette Christine Schmaus, 79, of Browns Valley, MN will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at the Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD, from 3:00-6:00 P.M. Officiating will be Rev. Joshua Knudsen and Rev. Pat Schubert. Soloist will be Pat Schubert. Organist will be  Ollie Yost. Pall Bearers will be Evan Ziemer, Jacob McCloud, Branden Oletzke, Brady Storbakken, Jared Waletich, and Scott Tuff. Honorary Pall Bearers will be the Browns Valley Healthcare Center Staff and Residents. Interment will be at the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD, is in charge of arrangements.

Annette was born on February 22, 1947, in Britton, to Clifford Andrew Tuff and Lillian Josephine (Holland) Tuff. She grew up in Peever and graduated from Peever High School with the Class of 1965. On January 22, 1966, she was united in marriage to Gene Stanley Schmaus in Peever. Together they made their home in Sisseton, where Annette spent her adult life. Annette dedicated many years to working at Roberts County National Bank and later at Powell, Kouba & Torness Insurance, where she remained until her retirement. She was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and steady presence. Her faith was important to her throughout her life. Her prayer life was where she found her greatest strength. She was a member of Peever Lutheran Church and later became a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton. Annette enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She loved watching the Minnesota Timberwolves on television, embroidery, reading, she had the most beautiful handwriting,  and playing cards—especially Skip-Bo. She enjoyed music—Danny O'Donnell and classic country music. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family and grandchildren. Annette passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Browns Valley Health Center.

Grateful for having shared her life are her two daughters, Andrea (Dewain) Waletich of Sisseton, and Kristi (Dale) Oletzke of Sisseton; grandchildren Whitney Ziemer and husband Evan of Browns Valley, MN, Malissa McCloud and husband Jacob of Cresbard, SD, Branden Oletzke and friend Izabela of Sisseton, Kara Storbakken and husband Brady of Lidgerwood, ND, and Jared Waletich of Sisseton; and great-grandchildren: Hope Ziemer, Kooper and Eston McCloud, Luke and Ian Storbakken. One brother and sister-in-law, Clifford Thomas Tuff and wife Diane of Coon Rapids, MN. One sister-in-law, Diane Nelson of Wibaux, MT; Sister in Laws: Sandra(Duane) Batie of Sisseton, and Sharon(Gary) Nielsen of Peever, SD, four nieces and five nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Stanley Schmaus; her parents, Clifford and Lillian Tuff; an infant nephew, brothers in law: Darvin Nelson, Gary Nelson and his wife, Cathy.

A special thank you to Browns Valley Health Center staff, and CHI Hospice from Breckenridge, MN and Dr. Judy Beumer for providing excellent care and compassion to Annette in her final days. Annette will be remembered for her quiet strength, devotion to family, faith, and the warmth she shared with those around her.