Barbara "Barb" Schmitz

Barbara Helen (Viktor) Schmitz, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Barbara was born on January 24th, 1933, in Cedar Rapids - the youngest of four children born to Joseph Charles and Caroline Kathryn (Pech) Viktor. Barbara was known as “Bobbie” to family and friends growing up in rural Cedar Rapids, where she learned the importance of God, family, and caring for others (as well as pride in her Czech heritage and the importance of hard work.)

Barb was proud to be a 1950 Graduate of McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids and a lifelong parishioner of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. On September 25, 1950, Barb married the love of her life, Donald Michael Schmitz. They made their home and raised their son, Michael “Mike” on a farm in rural Van Horne, Iowa.

Barb’s work ethic was second to none. She worked hard and expected that from others (Mike often recalled the days of walking the beans at her insistence (even- and especially- when he didn’t want to.) Barb also taught her family the importance of caring for others and being a good steward of the land. She made sure they knew the right way to pull weeds (always from the root,) and the right way to sweep the driveway and sidewalks (the job is not done until the street is swept, too.)

Throughout her life, Barb consistently cared for others- ensuring everyone had what they needed. While she stayed at home on the farm when Mike was young, she went to work as soon as he started school. She worked for a wide range of companies throughout her life, including: Smolekauffs Jewelry, Schmitz Real Estate and Auctioneers, Collins Radio, Hupp Electric Motors, Nissen, the Amana Barn Restaurant, Oakdale (Iowa Medical and Classification Center) Commissary, and Hy-Vee. The work never stopped when Barb clocked out, though. There was always work to be done on the farm, a garden to tend to, landscaping or cleaning to do at the church, or someone in need that she would care for. No matter what she did, though, Barb always doted over her family- especially once her grandkids came along. She would often show up at the door with jello, soup, banana bread, jello, seasoned crackers, rhubarb pie, or (of course,) jello.

While Barb was a great caretaker and cook, she also had a love for crafting (and lace!) There may not have been a craft she met that she didn’t try out, but knitting, painting, sewing, and anything involving lace were some of her favorites!

Mike was her pride and joy, but Barb absolutely adored her grandchildren- often telling Mike how wonderful they were (even when they were making trouble.) Her grandkids were always told how much she loved them, and they each held a special place in her heart.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline and Joseph; husband, Don; son, Mike; and her siblings and in-laws, Joseph (Ruthann) Viktor, Paul (Ann) Viktor and Margaret Chadima.

Survivors include her daughter in-law, Pamela Schmitz of Fairfax; grandchildren, Joseph ”Tony” (Anneke) Schmitz of Tennessee, Benjamin Schmitz of Fairfax, Carrie (Mason) Hoffmann of Newhall, and Jakub (Aarika) Schmitz of Ely; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church 1224 5th Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, with Reverend Aaron Junge presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be held at St. John Cemetery in Cedar Rapids following the service.

Please join us in celebrating Barbara’s love for lace and hats by wearing your favorite

church hat or vale to the services.

Please share a memory of Barb at www.papich-kubafs.com under her Obituary.