Jean Marie (Holtz) Barbeau

Jean M. Barbeau, 68, Kaukauna, passed away with her family by her side, Friday, February 27, 2026.  She was born September 25, 1957, in Shawano, the daughter of Donald and Mary (Gilson) Holtz.  Jean grew up in the Suamico area and graduated from Bay Port High School.  She moved to Manitowoc in the early 80’s, where she raised her children. In 1993 she met the love of her life, Tom and spent the following 30 years in Manitowoc.  Jean retired from Parker-Hannifin in 2023 and shortly thereafter moved to Kaukauna to be closer to her grandchildren.  She had a fond love for kitties and proudly rescued any that she could find room for.

Jean is survived by her husband, Tom; children: Chuck Schmeda and Maggie (Jason) Kauer; grandchildren: Aubrey and Everly Schmeda, Dylan, Daisy, and Sawyer Kauer; mother, Mary Holtz; a brother, Paul Holtz; nieces: Emily Jams, Georgianna Karl, McKenzie and Mattie Holtz; a brother-in-law, David (Sharon) Barbeau; sisters-in-law: Patricia Danielson, Jane Kellerman, and Marianne (Tom) Haag.

She was preceded in death by her father, Don; a daughter, Stacy Ann Schmeda; a sister, Ann (Squeak) Karl; nieces: Sara and Elizabeth Karl; brothers-in-law: James Danielson and Robert Kellerman. 

A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 119 W. Seventh Street, Kaukauna, with Fr. Sudha Sivvam officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of the mass.  

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice for their exceptional care of Jean and her family during this time. Their honesty, care and compassion made her journey peaceful.