Barbara Jean Smith

Barbara Jean Smith, age 70, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin passed away peacefully Saturday, December 30th, 2023, at Hospice Home for Hope. She was born on February 8th, 1953, in Madison, Wisconsin to Dr. Donald and Jean (Schultz) Smith and grew up in Fond du Lac. On her first day of kindergarten at Elizabeth Waters Grade School she made friends with Sharon Hankwitz, a friendship that remained over the miles and years. 

Barb was a 1971 graduate of Goodrich High School and went on to receive degrees from both the University of Wisconsin and Cardinal Stritch University, ultimately choosing a career in nursing. She spent the next forty years working, first in Milwaukee before returning to Fond du Lac. Her final duty as a nurse was serving as a faithful caregiver and near constant companion to her mother during the last year of her mother’s life.

Barb lived a life of kindness, gentleness, and love.  She enjoyed reading and sharing the stories with her friends over the phone or better yet, over lunch. Barb was devoted to her family and friends, striving to acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones, if she was not able to celebrate in person.  She also found great pleasure in maintaining her home and caring for her beloved pets, especially her golden retriever Chloe.

She is survived by her brothers, Bill (Mary) Smith and Greg (Maureen) Smith; a niece, Hannah (Devin) Raynor and a nephew, Benjamin (Meng) Smith along with their children; an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, “Bud” Schultz, and her cousins, Bonnie (Ron) Bork, Sue (Paul) Rieder, Sally (Julie Olmstadt) Schultz, Mike Schultz and Stacy Eberle.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Barb was very grateful for the care and encouragement provided by Dr. Michael Jones and staff at SSM Health Cancer Care and for the love and support provided by her long time neighbor and friend, Cathy Zimmerman. A private burial will be held at Norwegian Cemetery, Albany, WI.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com