Barbara Jane Schmidt Johnson

Barb was born on June 27, 1932 to John Henry Wieben and Lucille Margurette (Barron) Wieben on her grandparents’ farm in Everly.  Barb passed away on the morning of September 1^st, 2023 at St. Luke’s nursing home in Spencer. 

Barb graduated from Everly High School in 1950 and married her first love, former U.S. Marine and World War II veteran Donald Schmidt on New Year’s Eve, 1950.  Together, the couple raised four sons and one daughter – Monte, Lee, Mark, Luke and Katie – on a farm in Everly.  Following Donald’s untimely death in a farming accident in 1965, Barb met Keith Johnson, a Navy veteran.  They married on July 3^rd, 1968.  Barb and Keith lived in Everly until relocating in 1975 to Spirit Lake.  Following Keith’s death, Barb had a companionship with Eldon Gapp until his passing in February of 2007.  The Highlands in Spencer became her new home in 2015. 

Barb’s first business venture was the Flower Shed in Everly with her mother.  She later worked at Del’s Garden Center in Spencer.  Barb moved from Everly to Spirit Lake where Barb opened “Flowers by Barbara” on main street in Spirit Lake.  Later, Barb worked at Mary’s Gift Shoppe in Spirit Lake.

Barb learned to sew from her mother, a beautiful seamstress, and enjoyed arranging flowers for the Clay County Fair.  She sang in the Sweet Adelines of Spencer and Spirit Lake.  Dancing was  another constant in her life.  After teaching the boys in her eighth-grade class to lead others on the dance floor, Barb continued dancing at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. 

Barb enjoyed reading, knitting, painting, puzzles, playing cards, and watching different sporting events.  She loved spending time near and in the water, especially Lake Okoboji.  She also enjoyed the company of her many friends and family members.  Barb was “Gramma Barb” not only to her 4 grandchildren but to many others. 

Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Monte (Renee) Schmidt, Mark (Sherry) Schmidt, Luke Schmidt (Mindy Meinking), and Katie Shore.  She also delighted in her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Donald and Keith, son Lee Schmidt and only brother Del Wieben.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 9^th, 2023 at the Warner Funeral Home in Everly, Iowa.  Interment to follow at the Lone Tree Cemetery in Everly. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Avera@Home of Spencer Hospital Hospice.  116 E 11^th St., Spencer, IA  51301.