Barbara Schmidt

Barbara Schmidt died New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2023 -- the end of a year and of a long life lived well. She was 98 years old. ‘Busha’ or ‘Barb’, as she was known to her family and friends was born in Berlin, Wisconsin in 1925 to the late Emil and Augusta ‘Gustie’ (Yeske) Peterson. Always loyal to her roots, she reminded friends that she was a proud member of the Berlin High School Class of ’43. She attended each of the 5-year reunions and always looked forward to “going home” to Berlin. She was married to Howard Schmidt in 1950. Their two sons Robert and Donald were born in Berlin. In 1964 Barbara and Howard moved their young family to Racine where Howard managed the Truesdell Fur Co. store. Barbara was a homemaker until Howard’s death in 1972 when she started to work for Truesdell Fur Co. In 1975 she began working for Western Publishing as an associate sales analyst. Barbara retired from Western in 1995. Barbara was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church of Racine.

Barbara made friends easily and enjoyed life in so many ways. Always willing to try new things, she traveled to places both foreign and domestic with a spirit of adventure. With similar passion she loved just being in her home tending to the yard, feeding birds, and enjoying activities in the community, like participating in Ladies Golf at Shoop Park, volunteering at the hospital gift shop, and programs at church. She was delighted by her family and proud of them all. She enjoyed following the growth and development of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will certainly be missed by them, and by her many friends and acquaintances.

Barbara was preceded in death by husband Howard in 1972, as well as by two daughters at their birth. She is survived by her sons; Donald (Sue) of Racine, granddaughter Theresa (Karl) with great grandchildren (Ellie and Teddy) of Brookfield WI, grandson Dan (Sarah) with great granddaughter (Riley) of Oshkosh WI, and grandson Paul of Racine WI; also son Robert (Barbara Mathers-Schmidt) of Bellingham WA, grandson Jonathan (Kelly) with great grandson (Samuel) of Washougal WA, and grandson Michael (Lauren) of Lake Stevens WA.