(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
In loving memory of Barbara Ann “Barb” Smestad (Malko), 83, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2024.
A life-long resident, she was born in Kenosha, WI on March 3,1941 to the late Bernice (Timm) and Paul Malko Sr.
She was educated in the schools of Kenosha. On September 16, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart (Al Smestad Jr.) and recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. They made a loving home and life in the community of Kenosha and together raised five wonderful children.
Barb retired from Gateway College after 38 dedicated years. One highlight from her time at Gateway Technical College; she coached and led the 1981 tennis team to the State Championship. The only State Championship in the history of Gateway Technical College. An avid tennis player, she was a member of the Eastside Tennis Club for nearly 50 years and played on various indoor/outdoor leagues. She was introduced to the Pickleball craze 8 years ago and played at the Boys and Girls Club and at various outdoor courts.
Together, Barb and Al were travel companions. They traveled to more than 9 countries, drove various routes throughout the United States, taking in tennis matches on the circuit, historical sites or to spend time with friends and family.
Barb and Al could often be seen riding their bikes to the farmer’s market on Saturdays, concerts in the park and to the great Lake Michigan.
Her favorite things were spending quality time with family up north taking pontoon rides, having bonfires, and playing tennis with her grands! She loved weekly conference calls with her sisters, exchanging lunch/dinner parties with her in-laws and cousins’ luncheons. You could find her with the Tuesday night group, initiated at Sunnyside in addition to other restaurants around town. For years she kept close with a birthday group exchanging stories and laughter! Facetime calls with family in Singapore was a weekend highlight! Her wonderful neighbors would find her and Al keeping the yard meticulous, tending to the flowers and veggie garden. Conversations through the fence or across the street were very special to her as well.
Barb was full of energy, very active, had the utmost care and was mindful of the well-being of others. She will be remembered in countless ways for her contagious laugh, smiling eyes, and fun personality! She was well-liked by all who crossed her path. She enjoyed all genres of music, movies, and books. She was a keen shopper, and shoe collector.
Barbara will be forever loved and dearly missed by her devoted husband Al, her daughter Jennifer (Mark) Maegaard and family Mitchell, Maxwell, Raeanna, her daughter Julie Acosta and family Jessica (Joe) Gomez and family Jocelyn and family Analayah, Jayliana, Julisa, Janessa, her son David (Colleen) Smestad and family Sidney, Olivia and her son Douglas (Lori) Smestad and family William, Benjamin, and son Benjamin (Alicia) Smestad and family Finn.
She is also survived by sister Marilyn Borland (Middleton, WI), sister Patricia (Lee) Aiello (The Villages, FL), brother-in-law Don (Irene) Smestad (Hemet, CA), and sister-in-law Mary (Terry) Rice (Pleasant Prairie), and sister-in-law Mary (Paul Jr.) Malko (Kenosha) and several nephews, nieces, and cousins from both the Malko and Smestad families.
She is preceded in death by her parents (Paul Sr. and Bernice Malko), her brother Paul Malko Jr., her sister Donna (Fran) Rondeau. In-law parents (Albert Sr. and Cornelia Smestad), sister-in-law Lenore (James) Fuhrer and sister-in-law Joan (Dick) Reynolds and brother-in-law Dick Reynolds and all cherished family members of all mentioned above from both the Malko and Smestad families.
Follow the link below to watch services live:
https://www.facebook.com/saintmark.kenosha
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday April 15th 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Marks Catholic Church in Kenosha. (7117-14th Avenue) A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 10:00AM until the time of Mass.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th, Street
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Judy Bonofiglio says:
I am shocked went to Bradford with her last time I saw her we recognized each other instantly and hugged. She was always so upbeat.
Julie Chase says:
Barb was a dear friend and a brilliant light in this world. She will be an example of how to live your life every day to the fullest. My idol. I will miss her.
Barbara and Mark Serpe says:
You could not ask for a better neighbor. The conversations,.hearing her cheer for her favorite pro tennis player.. coming over and talking with our grandkids and dog.She had the most distinctive laugh
She will truely be missed
Brendan Dillmann says:
We are at a loss for words. Barb was one of the brightest lights I’ve ever met – full of life, love and joy for her family and friends. Prayers for the entire Smestad family – we love you!
Marilyn Borland says:
Barb ~
You did an awesome job in the legacy you left behind! The love and pride you had for your family was immeasurable.
Your passion and energy reflected in everything you did. You lit up the room wherever you went; your laugh was infectious; you always looked so put together! Who else hits every Marshalls and TJ Max this side of the Mississippi!
You were my tennis guru – who will I talk to about tennis!?
I can’t imagine life without you in it! I will miss you so much my sister, my friend, more than you know. You’re leaving a big hole in my heart! I love you, Barb, rest in peace!
Marl
Mary Rice says:
In my heart forever. Love you and miss you already. You were the best sister-in-law.
Mary Rice
Russ Smestad says:
Share the pickleball love and laughter…you will be missed by family and friends.
Heidi Hesse says:
Auntie Barb, you were one in a million! Your energy and smile will be missed ! Rest in peace and say hi to eveyone that greeted you at the gates of heaven!
Barbara says:
Barb was an inspiration! Her superpower was the ability to pack so much into life! Just being around her reminded me to always live life to the fullest. I’m so happy to have popped into Ben’s family holiday in Madrid and Mallorca last year. We enjoyed some great days out, exploring ancient villages, tea at the Ritz, and even watching the tennis! She’ll be greatly missed. ♥️
Amy Adamson says:
So very sorry about the passing of Mrs. Smestad. We are thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time.
Amy Adamson & Family
Andy Condon says:
Grew up across the street from Al and Barb on 23rd Ave. Doug and Dave, and sometimes Ben were actually my babysitters. What a great lady and a great family. Sorry for your loss Smestad family.
Andy Condon