Barbara Schmicher

Barbara was born on October 26, 1945, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Robert and Geraldine Acker. She met the love of her life, Mike Schmicher, in grade school, and the two later married in December 1965. Together they shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and adventure. They welcomed their first child, Dave in 1967, followed by their daughter Sue a year later, and their youngest daughter Jean several years later.

Throughout their many moves across the Midwest for Mike’s work, Barbara and Mike truly “bloomed where they were planted.” A lifelong learner, Barbara earned her bachelor’s degree from Clarke College in 1968 and later her master’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in 1979. She had a sharp mathematical mind and built a successful career as a computer programmer for companies including The Timken Company in Canton, Ohio, and Maytag in Newton, Iowa. In retirement, she continued putting her skills to good use preparing taxes for clients at H&R Block in Colorado Springs.

Beyond her professional success, Barbara filled her life with creative passions. She was an avid quilter, a master gardener, and a talented golfer—celebrated among friends and family for her joy and precision on the green. She even achieved a hole-in-one at the Newton Country Club, using her trusty 7-iron.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Robert M. and Geraldine H. Acker, her brother Joseph Acker, her beloved husband Mike, several nephews and a niece.

She is survived by her loving children: David M. Schmicher of Colorado Springs, CO; Susan A. Hines (Larry) of Littleton, CO; Jean E. Phelps (Nick) of Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Her grandchildren, Samuel M. Hines and Emilie M. Hines both of Golden, CO, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Her siblings: Robert Acker Jr. (Lois) of Wallace, NC; Marjorie (Mike) Streitfert; Janet Eppard of Plano, TX; Catherine (Chris) Jasper of Bettendorf, IA; Julie (Randy) Willman of Iowa City, IA; Susan DeFrieze of Rock Island, IL.

And her sister-in-law, Judy (Randy) Calcote of Roseville, MN

Barbara will be remembered for her intelligence, humor, grace, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the warmth she cultivated in her home, the gardens she tended, and the stitches of beauty she left in the world.

A funeral service will be held at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, located at 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on February 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A graveside service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, located at 1005 Hancock Expy, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on February 24, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.