Barbara "Barb" Schulz, 89, passed away on Saturday, July 8th, 2023, in White SD, peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by family.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the White United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

From Barb: Since you are reading my obituary, the three weeks (designated as do not help, aid, or sympathize) must be up and I assume I passed on.

I was born on the ramp at the Miss America pageant. Unlike my mama, who lost the contest, I was a ravishing beauty from my birth until the time of my death. (Are you sure the three weeks are up?)

I was raised on the (redacted) by (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) who cleaned (redacted) by day to pay for our Bingo at night. Mama worked the (redacted) (redacted).

I did marry, but was unable to have children during our wedded life. The doctor attributed it to the difficult deliveries of my (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) and the 18 (redacted) performed after. However, we were blessed with four children who were adopted. Cindy came to us from the (redacted) (redacted) in Yankton SD. Diane from the (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) in Chicago IL. Mark and Chuck were (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) (redacted) in Sioux Falls where they were discovered by (redacted) in 1956 and 1958.

I did my very best to spend every last dime I had so as not to burden my heirs with the responsibility. If there is money left, you might check and make sure I'm dead 'cuz I'm not going until the money is gone!!

Barbara Joan (Hanvelt) Schulz was born August 28th, 1933 to Charles and Wanda (Spriggle) Hanvelt in Red Wing MN. She lived in Bay City WI until 1949 when her family moved to Sioux Falls SD. She graduated from Washington High School in 1951.

Barb was united in marriage to Ramon Schulz in 1953 in Seattle WA. Together they lived in Ketchikan AK, Chicago IL, Whittier CA, and White SD. They were blessed with four children: Cindy, Diane, Mark, and Chuck. Barb worked several jobs during this period including 10 years at 3M, but the 7 ½ years she spent before retirement running the Activities program at the White Care Center was the job she loved the most.

As everyone who knew Barb would say, she was one of a kind. She enjoyed reading, crosswords, gardening, birdwatching, crafts, playing cards, Bingo, and her home was always open for coffee. Barb loved making people laugh and pulling jokes, and was quick to laugh at herself often for the silly things she did or said. She wrote and performed skits at the Christmas Tea for many years driving attendance up into the 70's, put googly eyes on vegetables in her neighbor's garden, and always had a funny surprise outfit in store for the Schulz family reunions. Barb left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of meeting her, whether it was a brief encounter or one of her many enduring close relationships. Barb loved spending time with her close group of friends (the "girls") and family, and had a very special relationship with her grandkids. She will be dearly missed.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three children: Cindy (Steve) Madsen, Sioux Falls, SD; Diane (Garth) Graslie, Wentzville, MO; Chuck Schulz, Elk Point SD; and 14 grandchildren: Laurie (Steve) Madsen, Brian (Brooklyn) Madsen, Mike (Stacee) Madsen, Ben (Melissa) Madsen, Katie Madsen, Cory (Renee) Graslie, Eric (Jessica) Graslie, Kelly (Georgia) Pomrenke, Phillip (Shauntay) Schulz, Lisa (Troy) Setser, Amber (Bobby) Hackett, Dustin (Christine) Schulz, Nathan (Trish) Schulz, Chelsea (Eric) Schulz; and 18 great grandchildren.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Ramon Schulz, son Mark Darrell Schulz, brothers Robert and Larry Hanvelt, and one sister Emily Mae Hanvelt.

Memorial contributions should be made in Barb's memory to AMVETS (American Veterans) or the Ronald McDonald House.