Barbara Lee Schultz, 86, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Charter Senior Living in Madison.

Barb was born June 29, 1940 to Leonard and Edith (Nelson) Nordness in Madison, WI. She was the oldest of four children and graduated in 1958 from East High School. She met and married Raymond Minardi that same year. They settled in Sun Prairie and raised four children while operating Claymates Ceramics Studio. Barb later moved to Pardeeville where she opened a bookkeeping and tax business. Upon her retirement, she moved to Deerfield to be nearer her kids.

Barb was a faithful member of Deerfield Lutheran Church, serving on committees and helping out whenever she could. She also volunteered her time at the Deerfield Food Pantry. She took up quilting, gifting many of her quilts to her children and grandchildren. Barb was an artist and her pursuits included painting, sewing and crocheting. She also loved to read and could easily get lost in a book. Old movies were her favorite, Rear Window being one she could watch again and again.

Barb is survived by her children, Dean (Jane) Minardi, Stephanie Minardi and Angela (Joe) Haag; grandchildren, Nicholas (Danielle), Mitchell (Amber), Jordan, Samantha, Bailey and Kyle; great grandchildren, Anthony, Mollie, Gino, Sophia, Linnea, Whitley and Louis; sister, Kristie (Bruce) Corning; and nieces, Teresa Maynard, Ginger Clark, Jaime Farr and Kristina Rynes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Anthony Minardi; sisters, Norma Maynard and Lennie Rynes; nephew, Randy Maynard; niece, Annie Fleming; and the father of her children, Raymond Minardi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Deerfield Lutheran Church.

A memorial service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Deerfield Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A celebration of life will follow the service at the Deerfield Community Center. Private interment will take place at a later date.

The family would like to give special thanks to Pastor Jen Kuhnert for her many visits with mom and spiritual care for her and our family during this difficult time, the Charter Senior Living team and their care of our mother over the years, Bristol Hospice staff for their commitment and compassion, and her many friends for their love and support, especially Anne Pasold, Sandy Deane, Rosie Young and Esther Nakagaki. We will be forever grateful.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054