Barbara Bichler

    Barbara Ann (Schmit) Bichler, age 89, of Port Washington, Wis., left her earthly body to be with her Creator on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.
    She peacefully passed on in the same home in which she was born after a strong battle against the cancer that weakened her body but never her spirit.
    Barb was born on Oct. 11, 1932, to Cecilia and John L. “Jack” Schmit, who operated the GM dealership and built the family home on North Wisconsin Street in Port Washington.
    She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Port High in 1950.  
    Barbara was married for 21 years to Jim Bichler. She was dedicated to her family as they lived in Green Bay and Eagle River, Wisconsin.  
    Barb returned to Port in 1974 and worked at Columbia Garage alongside her brothers, Donald and Elmer Schmit, for many years.   She then worked at Aqua Chem and as a Realtor for Gerald Gruen Realty while providing childcare to her beloved Pfrang and Goettl boys.
    Barb was a woman of strong faith. She was an active volunteer in her parish and in the community, including as a member of the Port Women’s Club, a St. John XXIII Parish Eucharistic minister, Lincoln Elementary School Breakfast Club volunteer and Ellen’s Home bingo caller.  
    Barb loved playing bridge while enjoying the competition and camaraderie of marathon bridge tournaments.
    She filled her days with reading, visits with family and friends and traveling.  Barb traveled to China, Russia, Greece and Europe on tours with friends and spent many vacations with family. As late as 2021, she camped and toured the parks of Utah, still excited to see and experience new places.
    Barb is survived by her children Doug (Virginia) Bichler of Eagle River, Patrick Bichler of Eagle River, Mary (Mike) Van Pietersom of Port Washington, Kay Millonzi of Port Washington, Julie (Steve) Plier of Fredonia and Lisa Hansen of Crivitz; and son-in-law Jeff Enderle of Wheat Ridge, Colo.  
    Her in-laws include Audrey Schmit, Charles “Skip” and Peggy Bichler and June Williams and Mildred Prom.  
    She is further survived by 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, as well as many special nieces and nephews and wonderful friends who visited often, sharing stories and bringing treats for her sweet tooth.
    Her parents and six siblings, Robert (Harriet) Schmit, Elmer (Lucille) Schmit, Marion (Frank) Pujanauski, Don Schmit, Ruth (Jim) Lorge and Cecilia (Harold) Priesler; and brothers-in-law Wilbert Prom and Robert Williams preceded her in death, as well as her beloved eldest daughter, Susan Ruth Merline. The Schmit Gang is back together and we can only imagine the joy.
    A memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon Saturday, March 12, 2022, at St John XXIII Parish, St.  Peter of Alcantara Church, 1800 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington, Wis.
    Visitation will be at the church from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church prior to the Mass.
    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to the Friends of the W. J. Niederkorn Library or Port Food Pantry.
    Special thanks to the wonderful staff of Sharon Richardson Hospice who provided the supportive services to meet Barb’s wish to remain at home with loved ones.
    Poole Funeral Home/Crematory, Port Washington, Wis., is assisting the family.  
    Information and condolences are available at www.poolefh.com or (262) 284-4431.