Barbara Jeanne Schmidt

Barbara Jeanne Schmidt, 64, died January 5, 2023, peacefully at home after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born March 19, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late Raymond and Jeanne (Angus) Schmidt. Barb graduated in 1976 from Southwest High School in Minneapolis. After graduation she worked for Tennant Company from 1976-1992. She was married to Eugene Kottke in 1982 and gained three stepchildren. After her divorce in 1991, she moved from Minnesota to Sarasota, Florida in 1992 with Wally Adkins. She worked for Serenoa Golf Club in Sarasota from 1992-2003, then worked for 20 years at the Venetian Golf and River Club in Nokomis. She was a natural at hospitality and loved serving club members as well as time with her coworkers. Barb loved being with her family in Minnesota and would take trips to visit during the summer and fall, while her Minnesota family would visit her in Florida during the winter. She was a big Minnesota Twins fan and enjoyed going to games both preseason in Fort Myers and at Target Field in Minneapolis. Barb had an eye for photography, capturing sunrises on her morning beach walks and at work each morning. Left to cherish her memory are her stepson Kevin Kottke and his wife Lynn; brother Greg Schmidt; nieces and nephews Miki Tufto and her husband Scott; Christina Jorgenson and her husband Pat; and Laurie Kushnir and her husband Keith; great nieces and nephews Regan DeMarchi and her husband Adam, Will and Ben Tufto; Amaya, Ava, and Jayce Jorgenson; and Amy and Ben Kushnir; and many other very special family members and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Bill; sister Linda; her former husband Eugene; and her longtime companion Wally. Celebration of Life services for Barb will be held in Florida and Minnesota – details pending. Thank you to her Venetian family who cared for her after her diagnosis so she could stay in her home. Thank you to the staff at Tidewell Hospice for their care and guidance during her last days. Memorial contributions may be made in Barb’s honor to Healing Hearts Connection at www.healingheartsconnection.com. Memories and condolences may be left for the family online at www.MFHcares.com.

Barbara Jeanne Schmidt

March 19, 1958 - January 5, 2023