Fourth Generation

133. Donald M. MONICK was born on 7 May 1909 in Monroe County, WI.¹⁶ He died on 3 September 2000 at the age of 91.¹⁵

Donald M. MONICK and Barbara Ella SCHMIDT were married on 20 June 1934.^53,137 Barbara Ella SCHMIDT, daughter of Carl SCHMIDT and Anna KOEHLER, was born on 9 August 1912.⁵³ She died on 21 May 2008 at the age of 95.⁵³

Obituary Notes: "When you drove by the “Sunnyside of Clifton” dairy farm, you had to notice the beautiful gardens and flowers Barbara Monick tended. Barbara Ella Monick died May 21, 2008, at the age of 95. She was born Aug. 9, 1912, to Anna (Koehler) Schmidt and Oscar Schmidt. Barbara graduated from Tomah High School in 1930 and Tomah Teachers’ School in 1931. She taught country grade school at Homewood and Tug Hallow.

She married Donald M. Monick on June 20, 1934. Together they farmed “Sunnyside of Clifton” and raised registered Guernsey cattle. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1984. He preceded her in death on Sept. 3, 2000. She was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was baptized on June 25, 1916. She was instructed in God’s teaching and was confirmed Aug. 21, 1927. She taught Sunday school and was a charter member of the Ladies Aid. Barbara was very active at home and in the community. She enjoyed many years as a 4-H leader teaching youth in 4-H activities. She loved gardening and her flowers were always on view to those driving by Sunnyside of Clifton. She often shared the vegetables from her garden with friends and neighbors. A frugal homemaker and excellent cook, she kept her pantry stocked with homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Following retirement from the dairy industry, she and her husband built their dream home a short distance from the homestead and resided there for 16 years. During that time, they enjoyed fishing with family and friends. Their grandchildren have fond memories of the farm, fishing and stories where they learned and appreciated activities about farm life.

She is survived by her two daughters, Gretchen (Tom) Wright of Livingston, TX, and Nancy (Donald) Fairbanks of Cincinnati, OH; five grandchildren, Sherri (Ward) Jarvis of Hillsboro, NC, Thomas Wright of Hillsboro, NC, Donna (George) Latendresse of Niskayuna, NY, David (Julie) Fairbanks of Cincinnati, OH, Donald (Julie) Fairbanks of Fairfield, CT; five great-grandchildren, Kevin, Scott, Jarvis, Bradley and Eric Latendresse, and Dana Fairbanks; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald after 66 years of marriage. She was the last surviving sibling of the Schmidt family preceded in death by brothers Donald and Leonard and sisters Ruby, Martha, Ella and Nettie.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Clifton. Pastor Paul G. Heiderich will officiate. Burial will be in the Clifton Cemetery, Town of Clifton.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorials in memory of Barbara may be given to St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church or a charity of one’s choice."