Barbara E. Schmidt

Barbra Ellen Schmidt (Diedrich) “Granny”, 81 years of age, resident of Burlington and formerly of Honey Creek, WI., passed away peacefully at home due to cancer on March 5, 2025, surrounded by family.

She was born on August 17, 1943, in Milwaukee, WI., adopted by Elena (Helen) and Edward Diedrich. She attended West Allis Central High School, class of 1961. After graduation, Barbara graduated from cosmetology school and worked in hair salons until she was united in marriage to Gerald J. Schmidt on May 23, 1964. She then went to help and work on the family farm. In 1982, she returned to work in the food service industry working at Stowell’s Catering, Lakeland Nursing Home, and then as a deli manager for 18 years at Sentry Foods in Burlington. Barbara was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Waterford, Wisconsin, and was also a member and former president of the Honey Creek Civic Club.

She will be remembered for being the heart of her family, raising four children in a happy and loving home to become thoughtful and independent adults. Barb will also be remembered for her love of acrylic painting, craft fairs, and primitive farmhouse décor. She enjoyed stamping, scrapbooking, making cards, and collecting recipes. She loved being retired, watching her great-grandchildren, spending time with family and friends, traveling across the country, and attending bingo.

Barb is survived by her children Jeri (Cory) Smith, Vicki (Rich) Bleser, and Sandi (Bob) Bieneman; grandchildren Ashley (Andy) Mankowski, Noah Smith, Bailey Bleser, Kieran Bieneman, and Landon Bieneman; great-grandchildren Evy Mankowski, Rudy Mankowski, and Teddy Mankowski; as well as other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Schmidt, son Mike Schmidt, and parents Helen and Edward Diedrich.

Visitation will be held from 3:00p.m. – 4:45 p.m. on May 2, 2025, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church (305 S 1st St, Waterford, WI 53185) followed by a mass at 5:00p.m. Private interment.

The Schmidt family would like to extend special thanks to Aurora at Home Hospice and Aurora Medical Center Burlington Wound Care Clinic for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Honey Creek Civic Club and Aurora Health Care would be greatly appreciated.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home of Waterford is proudly serving the family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home 
• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185
• 262-534-2233
• www.stencelfh.com