Obit: Schmitz, Barbara J. (1953 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Blake, Boneske, Dawson, Dombroski, Gilles, Gustafson, Haugen, Kleinschmidt, Schmitz, Schulz, Stahnke

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 8/01/2017

Schmitz, Barbara J. (Stahnke) (25 MAR 1953 - 28 JUL 2017)

Barbara J. Schmitz, age 64, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. Barbara was born on March 25, 1953 to Arlene (Dawson) and the late Marvin Stahnke in Medford. She married Gary Schmitz on Aug. 5, 1972 in Merrill.

She worked at Pine Crest Nursing Home as a CNA for over 23 years. She took pride in her job and was always willing to help out by working extra shifts. Barb loved flower gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Gary and her went on many spontaneous trips with the children in their family motorhome. She also served as secretary for her bowling leagues, and won the state title for the VFW league. She also loved the companionship of her cats Sam and Callie.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Gary Schmitz; daughters, Tanya (Jason) Kleinschmidt, Tammy (Adam) Haugen and Theresa (Ryan) Blake; grandchildren, Amber, Michael and Matthew Kleinschmidt, Tate and Aidan Haugen, Adalyn and Bentley Blake; great-grandchildren, Madison and Owen Dombroski; brothers, Gerald (Sharon) Stahnke, Danny (Vicky) Stahnke, Dwayne (Gail) Stahnke, Randy (Ann) Stahnke, Todd (Cari) Stahnke and Terry (Jane) Stahnke; sisters, Sharon Stahnke, Darla (Pat) Gilles, and Laurie (Tim) Boneske; father-in-law, Lloyd “Bud” Schmitz; her mother, Arlene Stahnke; sister-in-law, Sandy (Skip) Schulz; and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Marvin Stahnke; mother-in-law, Grace Schmitz; and a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Dombroski.

Funeral Services for Barbara were held on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill with Rev. Scott Gustafson officiating. Visitation was held on Wednesday, Aug. 2 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Waid Funeral Home, and again on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial took place at Merrill Memorial Park immediately following the service.

The family would like to personally thank Mount View Care Center and the staff at Evergreen place for the compassionate care they provided to Barb. Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service assisted the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.