Barbara S. Schmalz

Funeral Services for Barbara Schmalz will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Nora Mendyk officiating. Interment will follow Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; the Schmalz family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Barb's services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. The funeral service will be live-streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622

Barbara Sue Schmalz, 69 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, surrounded by her family. Barb was born on April 6, 1951, in Holdrege, the third of six children born to Alven Henry and Delores (Griffith) Rademaker. Barb attended Loomis Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1969. After graduating high school, she received a Business Degree from the Grand Island Business College.

On December 16, 1970, Barb was united in marriage to William "Bill" Schmalz in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and to this union, they were blessed with two children: Casey and Matt. The family made their home in Holdrege, where Barb was employed at Consolidated Motor Freight, KN Energy, and the Phelps County Extension Office, until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2006.

Barb was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Quilter's Club.  She enjoyed quilting, knitting, crocheting, scrapping, gardening, ceramics, boating, fishing, and genealogy.  Barb also enjoyed staying at the vacation home on the Gulf of Mexico in Hudson, Florida, and at the family cabin in the Adirondack Mountains in Forestport, New York. Above all, Barb enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Barb has left a tremendous legacy of love to her family and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by; her father, Alven Rademaker; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William, Sr. and Margaret Schmalz; brother-in-law, Dan Nelson; and niece, Patricia Skinner.

Barb leaves to celebrate her life: her husband, Bill Schmalz of Holdrege; daughter, Casey Brown and her husband, Fred of Holdrege; son: Matt Schmalz of Holdrege; her mother, Delores Rademaker of Holdrege; 10 grandchildren: Payton, Jaydin, Brayden, and Raygen Schmalz; Taylor Schmalz; Austin, Chase, Rielly, Kellan, and Reece Brown; her siblings: Joyce Love and her husband, Ed of Holdrege; Betty Skinner and her husband, Karl of Logan, Kansas; Wesley Rademaker and his wife, Tami of Holdrege; Debra Kassing and her husband, Mark of Loomis; and Bradley Rademaker and his wife, Heidi of Loomis; sister-in-law and brother-in law, Karen and Steve Hoyt; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Barb's honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.