Barbara J. Schmidt Johnson, 91, Spencer

A memorial service for Barbara J. Schmidt Johnson was held Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at the Warner Funeral Home in Everly. Interment was in the Lone Tree Cemetery near Everly. Warner Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Barbara Jean Schmidt Johnson was born on June 27, 1932 to John Henry Wieben and Lucille Margurette (Barron) Wieben on her grandparents’ farm at Everly.

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 at Everly. Following Donald’s untimely death in a farming accident in 1965, Barb met Keith Johnson, a Navy veteran. They married on July 3, 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 she opened “Flowers by Barbara” on Main Street in Spirit Lake. Barb later 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 four grandchildren, but also to many others.

Barb passed away at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Spencer on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at the age of 91.

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.