Barbara "Barb" Veronica Schmitz

Barbara "Barb" Veronica Schmitz 86, of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa passed away July 25, 2026, at a local hospital. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salix, IA. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Salix. Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barb was born January 8, 1940, in St. Cloud, MN to Matthew and Theresa (Rausch) Decker. Barb married Ernest Schmitz on September 13, 1958. The couple lived in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa for 50 plus years, while raising their family. Barb worked at JCPenny, Sears, Zenith, and Lanter Courier.

After retirement, Barb and Ernie were snowbirds and traveled to Arizona for the winter months. They followed their grandkids and great grandkids to sporting activities and other events. Family was very important to Barb and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed bowling, doing crafts, gambling, the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Those left to honor her memory include her two children: Earl (Bonnie) Schmitz, Colleen (Todd) Mahaney,; eight grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, baby girl Schmitz; husband Ernest; and many other loving family members.