Barb Schmaling, 64, of Delavan, passed away peacefully at home with her family Sept. 14, 2013, following her courageous battle with breast cancer.
Family and friends were Barb’s passion and delight. She loved to host and entertain, especially during the holiday season. Somehow, we think with the help of elves, her house magically transformed into an extravagant Christmas wonderland. Accompanying the cast of “Christmas Choir Want-A-Be’s” on her piano brought her great joy, forging great memories and many lifelong friendships along the way.
Barb lived a very active life and loved being outdoors. She loved to golf and enjoyed spending her days with her extended Delbrook Golf Course family. She also loved spending time at “The Lake,” watching her family grow and her grandchildren enjoying life on the pier. It was not unusual for her to grab a blanket and a patio lounge chair and sleep under the stars on a cool summer night, but of course, not until after her nightly hot tub fix.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, John “Max” Schmaling.
Survivors include her long-time partner, Gary Frye; children, Christeen (Robert) Mauerman, and Brad (Brooke) Schmaling; grandchildren, Johnathan, Jordan, Lauren, Stella and William; brother, Robert Grunewald; and sisters, Becky Bach and Connie Pellmann.
Barb leaves behind a list of loving relatives and close friends too numerous to mention.
Barb requested a private service, but she demanded that her family and friends remember her with a Celebration of Life.
“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all.”
In honor of her wishes Barb’s family will be celebrating her life with family and close friends at a later date at Greenie’s Clubhouse on the Delbrook Golf Course.
A memorial garden at Delbrook Golf Course to honor Barb is under consideration; please contact Greenie’s Clubhouse directly for more information.
Barb requested that any donations be made to the Friends of Delbrook.
Her family wishes to thank all of those who cared and prayed for her during her illness and truly appreciate all of the kind words and well wishes.
Betzer Funeral Home, Delavan, is serving the family.
