Barbara J. Schmittzehe

Barbara J. Schmittzehe, 83, of Cape Girardeau, went to be with Jesus Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Oct. 1, 1940 in Gordonville to Louis A. and Luella P. Winkler Kirn.

Barbara married the love of her life Jerome Schmittzehe on Jan. 12, 1963, at St Mary's Cathedral.

She began her lifelong journey of serving and taking care of others at the young age of 13, leaving home to be a live-in babysitter. She went on to work in the dietary department at Old St. Francis Hospital and finished her career at Southeast Hospital for 28 years before retiring. She was a loyal member of St. Mary's Cathedral, where she worshiped for 67 years. She was a member of the Council of Catholic Women. Her most cherished and loved role was wife, mom and grandma. Barbara loved cooking, family gatherings and filling the table for her family especially with German dishes. She welcomed all with open arms. When she was not cooking, she would either be outside in her yard or "in her corner" praying. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her true enjoyment. Barbara was an amazing, hard-worker, self-less person, putting others feelings and needs ahead of hers. She was a wonderful role model for her family and will be missed more than words can express.

She is survived by her husband, Jerome of Cape Girardeau; three children, Steve (Debbie) Schmittzehe of Cape Girardeau, Thomas (Lisa) Schmittzehe of Patton and Kimberly (Matthew) Melton of O'Fallon, Missouri; six grandchildren, Ashley (Don) Perry of Richmond, Virginia, Megan Schmittzehe of Creve Coeur, Samuel Schmittzehe of Patton, Lydia and Abigail Melton of O'Fallon and Brian (Kim) Bollinger of Mississippi; five great-grandchildren, Ava and Wyatt Perry, Adyson, Avagayle and Kamdon Bollinger; eight siblings, Jane Kluesner, Richard (Pat) Kirn, Larry (Cathy) Kirn, Evelyn Stovall, Charlene (Marvin) Koop, Geralyn (Brady) Bailey, Donna (Herman) Sadler, Debbie Mirley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5 with parish prayers and rosary at 7 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home-Cape Girardeau.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Alan Saunders officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Mary's Cathedral.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home.