Barbara Schmidtke

Barbara Schmidtke

August 08, 1955 - September 13, 2026

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Obituary

MADISON - Barbara Jean Schmidtke, age 71, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at SSM Health-St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on August 8, 1955, in Madison, the daughter of Kendal and Jean (Shaffer) Schmidtke.

 

Barbara graduated from La Follette Highschool in 1973. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in education from UW-Madison in 1986.

 

She was a passionate and caring special education teacher with the DeForest Area School District and was deeply loved and respected by her students, colleagues and all who knew her. Barbara found joy in gardening, reading books of all genres, and spending time with her beloved cats.

 

Barbara is survived by her significant other, Glenn R Wolfe Jr,; brothers, Jim Schmidtke, Steve (Julie) Schmidtke and Kendal (Amanda) Schmidtke; sister, Kathy (Robert) Khalar; many nieces, nephews and friends; and her beloved cats, Red and Emma. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kendal and Jean Schmidtke; brother, Gary Schmidtke; grandparents, Kathryn and Leonard Shaffer and Ernest and Leona Schmidtke; and nieces, Lisa and Jennifer.

 

No services will be held at this time.

 

A special thanks to Nurse Jin at St. Mary's Hospital for the great care and attention she gave to Barbara.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

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PS
Pam Schkirkie
Friend •
Condolences to Barbs family and her best friend Linda. Barb and I hung out in high school and on and off in our twenties. We had so much fun going out to listen to a country band that played polkas and we had so much fun dancing. Barb was a vey kind person and a hard worker. I will miss getting Christmas Cards from her every year. Rest in Peace.
AS
A Memorial Tree was planted for Barbara Jean Schmidtke
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
KK
Kathy Khalar
Other •
I Love You and Miss You So Much Barb ❤️ Always On My Mind and Forever In My Heart ❤️ Your Lil Sis, Kathy, Robert, Josh, Amanda and Kaeleb
VW
Veronica Welch-Steffel
Other •
My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Barb. May god comfort you during this difficult time.
CT
Connie Thornburg
Other •
My deepest sympathy to Barbs family. I graduated with Barb. We had many great times. I am so happy I got to know her. She was a awesome friend. Rest In Peace my friend Connie Peterson-Thornburg
DB
Darlene Barth
Other •
My sympathy to Glenn and Barb's family. A friend and special collegue, she was a great asset for the team teaching classes we taught together and to her dedication to her department.

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