In loving memory of Barbara Ann “Barb” Smestad (Malko), 83, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, 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.
Barb 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 spending 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 and Raeanna; her daughter, Julie Acosta and family Jessica (Joe) Gomez and family Jocelyn, and family Analayah, Jayliana, Julisa and Janessa; her son, David (Colleen) Smestad and family Sidney and Olivia; and her son, Douglas (Lori) Smestad and family William and Benjamin; and her 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 her parents; her brother, Paul Malko, Jr., and her sister, Donna (Fran) Rondeau; in-law parents, Albert Sr. and Cornelia Smestad; sister-in-law, Lenore (James) Fuhrer; sister-in-law, Joan (Dick) Reynolds; brother-in-law, Dick Reynolds; and all cherished family members of all mentioned above from both the Malko and Smestad families.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:00AM at St. Mark Catholic Church (7117 14th Avenue, Kenosha). A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 10:00AM until the time of Mass.