Dr. Jennifer Eleanor Anderson-Schmeltz, DVM

Jennifer Eleanor Anderson Schmeltz, DVM, age 42, of Mishawaka, left our world to join God in Heaven on June 13th after a courageous fight with cancer. Jennifer was preceded in death by her Grandparents and son Avery James. She is survived by her loving husband, Adam Schmeltz; her children, Kayden (8), and Adalynn (5); and her loving parents, John and Susan Anderson.

Jennifer was born in Centralia, Illinois and to her parents, an absolute joy to raise and the “apple of their eye.” She attended grade school in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where she was first in her 7th grade class, and later moved to Boca Raton, Florida. At Boca Raton Middle School, Jennifer was an extremely talented volleyball player and in 8th grade was asked to practice with the varsity team. She continued to compete at a high level in high school and earned the honor of team captain. Jennifer led her team to the Florida State Volleyball Championship earning Runner-up.

From a young age, Jennifer displayed an extraordinary love for animals. At just 5 years old, she told her parents she wanted to become a veterinarian-and never wavered from that dream. A dedicated and gifted student, she was accepted into the prestigious Vet Scholars Program at Purdue University and went on to complete her Bachelors and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Jennifer achieved her greatest professional goal in 2010 when she purchased Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic in Mishawaka. She took great pride in leading her team and caring for the many animals and families who came through the doors.

Jennifer had a heart for community support and carried her love for animals far beyond her veterinary practice by serving on the board for the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend. She also supported the local chapters of the Humane Society performing spays and neuters. Jennifer believed deeply in giving back and was committed to making a meaningful difference in her community.

Jennifer and Adam dated for 11 years prior to getting married on August 3, 2013. Jennifer and Adam loved to travel, with experiences including Europe, Hawaii, Bora Bora, Mexico, Costa Rica, several islands in the Caribbean, and an African safari. She and Adam loved supporting their children in their activities. Jennifer also enjoyed staying active and playing pickleball.

To accommodate the many families, friends, and clients Jennifer served throughout her career, visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Mark Missionary Church, 55240 Bittersweet Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

An additional hour of visitation will take place prior to the Mass of Christian Burial, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46544, where Jennifer was a longtime member. The Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. We invite those unable to attend in person to join us for a livestream of the funeral service, so everyone can honor and remember Jennifer together by viewing her service in real time in the window below.

Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with her care and arrangements.

Jennifer will be missed by her family, her employees, and the many customers she helped as a veterinarian.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in her memory to Caring Cove Hospice for the care given to Jennifer and the family. The family would like to thank the staff of Caring Cove Hospice, especially Christi and Karen, for their help and compassion. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Jennifer’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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