Barbara J. Schmitt, age 92, of Marinette, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Born on September 20, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Barbara was the daughter of Alfred and Elsie (Hjelte) Wentink. She moved to Marinette as a young girl and graduated from Marinette High School with the Class of 1951. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Barbara devoted 25 years to working in the dental field in the Marinette–Menominee area. In her later years, she embraced a love of travel, visiting all 50 states and several countries abroad. She especially cherished her time spent along the Gulf of Mexico, enjoying 15 winters at her condo in Naples, Florida.
She was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Marinette Woman’s Club, and gave her time generously as a volunteer with several local organizations, including Theatre on the Bay and the Logging Museum.
She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, cherishing her grandchildren, Jared Slawinski of Oconomowoc, WI; Kate (Ryan) White of Dallas, TX, and her great-grandchildren, Grayson, Reese, Stella and Canyon; and Martha (Chad) Cunningham of Austin, TX.
She is also survived by her son-in-law, Strac Slawinski of Oconomowoc, WI and her beloved feline companion, Baby.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her only child, her daughter Janine (Schmitt) Slawinski, the love of her life.
A visitation will be held at Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home in Marinette on Monday, April 20th, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Lee Goodwin will officiate. Entombment will follow at Forest Home Mausoleum in Marinette.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the Menominee Animal Shelter.
