Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Beloved wife of John Schmiemeier III; loving mother of John (Theresa) Schmiemeier IV and Heather Marie (Whit) Kauffman; adoring grandmother of Brooks, Nora, Bryce and Max; cherished daughter of Marilyn and the late Charles Buechel; dear sister of Michael (Donna) Buechel and Mark (Anita) Buechel; dear sister-in-law of David (Andrea) Schmiemeier. Our dearest aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, April 29 from 5-8 pm. with Funeral Service time at 7:00 pm. Interment at Sunset Cemetery will be held in private. Contributions to American Cancer Society Donate Today | The American Cancer Society appreciated.
In loving remembrance.
Deb and I worked at Barnes for the first time around 5 years. And when I returned to Barnes after 2 and half years, she welcomed me with the sweetest hug, like no time had past. I loved working with her. Her infectious spirit could make anyone’s day brighter. And knowing that at anytime, I just needed a hug, she was right there. I know this world and my world will not be the same without her. Love ya Deb
Deb and I worked together for many years at BJH. We joined the Patient Experience Team a few years back to better the care and understanding of the patients and visitors that come through our doors. Deb had such a passion for patient advocacy. She had such compassion, empathy, and respect for her patients. If a patient needed a shoulder to lean on, cry with or even laugh with, Deb took the time to be present for them. I admired for that. She was also a great friend, listener and she laughed at my jokes. She had the best laugh. I will miss talking and laughing with her. God’s blessings to all of us who grieve the loss of her. Most of all, God be with John and Deb’s family. My prayers go out to you.
To the Schmiemeier family
My sympathies and prayers go out to the family. I knew of Deb working with her in CT at barnes hospital. She always brought out the best in people and was a wealth of knowledge. The heavens have gained an angel. Until we meet again my friend. Tom Renaud
To Deb’s family: Thank you for giving us the gift of Deb for so many years. She made our team, our patient care and our institution better. We will miss her, but the love and the lessons she gave us will be remembered forever. Our condolences, and a lot of love to the Schmiemeier family.
I didn’t get to work with Deb for very long, but the impact and impression she left on me will not be forgotten. She made my transition from a small hospital I’d called home for 2 decades to Barnes warm, welcoming, and supportive. She used to tease me about my tattoos because she said that she could never handle the pain- but here she was, amongst the strongest of all of us. I’ll never forget her words “you’re going to do good things here.” I only wish I would have gotten more time to show her.
Deb and I also worked together at BJH. We started the mornings and prepared for the day together. Through that we just clicked. She was always a great support to me. We had laughed, cried, and hugged so many mornings. Her best response to me was”Girl I never know what is going to come out of your mouth” Then we would laugh. Deb’s laugh was the most genuine and contagious I have never met a more sincere and loving person!! I am already missing you my friend!! Fly high and free…
GOD must need another ANGEL around the Throne tonight and I am jealous of the angels!!
Thanks Deb for always be there for me for love and support
Deb and I also worked together at BJH. We started the mornings and prepared for the day together. Through that we just clicked. She was always a great support to me. We had laughed, cried, and hugged so many mornings. Her best response to me was”Girl I never know what is going to come out of your mouth” Then we would laugh. Deb’s laugh was the most genuine and contagious I have never met a more sincere and loving person!! I am already missing you my friend!! Fly high and free…
GOD must need another ANGEL around the Throne tonight and I am jealous of the angels!!
Thanks Deb for always be there for me with open arms,love and support
Oh this breaks my heart! I worked with Deb for many years at Barnes. She made the long days so fun, always had a positive attitude and was so fun to be around. She had a wonderful aura about her. She was always so kind and compassionate to others. I hated to hear of her diagnosis and especially of her passing. I know she is in Heaven cracking jokes and making life fun for others. Prayers to the Schmiemeier family. How blessed you were to love her ❤️. Rest in peace sweet angel. You will be greatly missed 😢
To my dearest John and the rest of Deb’s family. I want you to know that Jesus love you so dearly and so do I . I actually met John before Deb. We used to attend the BJC anniversary dinner together, We shared many encouraging text messages over the years. What Deb shared with me within the last 6 months revealed that she had the warmest heart towards her beloved husband, children and her grand baby was the center of her heart. Within this period, there was a remarkable difference in her writings that definitely indicate a closer relationship with her maker. She definitely got it right with Jesus and really expressed her desire for her family to continue to love each other with the love that only God can provide. I really enjoyed working with Deb. I always joke with her that she had to be really nice to me or I would tell John because he is my buddy. I called Deb “The wife of John ” May the God of all comfort comfort your entire family at this crucial moment and beyond. May the healing virtue of Jesus be yours today and always, Amen. Yes we will see her again this time there will be no pain and sickness but with a glorified body that those who put their hope in Christ will experience. Be encouraged and keep the faith ! My heart is full and you are all in my prayer.
I’m really sad about my beautiful sister/friend, but no more suffering. I’m so glad I had the pleasure of being your friend. You really helped me get through Radiology school, and I will always be grateful for everything you did. Like I always told you Love you forever. ❤️
De-BORAH, as I liked to call her, consistently had a kind word to offer. I will miss her laugh, her impact on our patients, and the smile she brought us every day. I remember the first time I met her in Xray school, she was the same “Deb” then, leaning in with a joke or to make a connection. That was her gift, to make connections with the people she worked with and patients she served.
Thanks for all the laughs, Deb, we’ll miss you.
Deb alway showed up with a smile. I thoroughly enjoyed having her in my class. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Rest in peace my friend
I met Deb and John 29 years ago, and for nearly three decades they’ve been great neighbors.
Deb was always upbeat, warm, and genuinely kind.
John and I share the same birthday, which made for a special connection over the years. I also had the privilege of watching their children, John and Heather, grow up right before my eyes.
Deb’s presence will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with John, their children, and the entire family during this difficult time.
Deb wasn’t just a co-worker at BJC; she was my Mountain Dew buddy and a true friend. She had a way of always being there to listen and offer the best advice. She made such a difference in my life, and I’m going to miss her talks dearly.
‘No more cloudy days, no more weakness or pain, no more sickness in her body. The storm is over now.’
I worked with Deb at BJC for many years. She was part of the “early morning crew”. She always came to work with a smile on her face. I will miss her and the joy she brought to work. Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
You will be missed sis! I will never forget our jokes whenever we see each other. I love you and may you rest in peace.
Deb always greeted me with “You ROCK Dude!” She always made me feel good, and special. I’ll always remember that, and miss it.
I was deeply saddened to read of Debbie’s passing. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved her. May you find comfort in the memories you shared, the kindness she showed, and the impact she made in the lives around her. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time, John. May God bless, my friend.
my prayers go out to the Schmiemeier family may they find comfort, peace and strength during this difficult time
Ever since I heard the news, everything in front of me has gradually blurred, while the last time I saw you has become so clear.
You know my English isn’t very good, and I’m not great at using past tense grammar. At this moment, I don’t really want to learn it either. I believe you would still be tolerant of my grammar, because that’s just the kind of wonderful person you are.
“Relax, I don’t bite,” you said with a smile and a wink.
From the very first time we met, I remembered your laughter. You were cheerful, open, and a little mischievous. You introduced yourself by pretending to be someone hard to get along with, then immediately made a funny face, winked, and laughed, telling me to relax. In that moment, I laughed too. Being new there, I knew right away how much I liked your smile.
When I was still in my 90-day training period, you didn’t just teach me how to work—you taught me how to care for patients, and also reminded me that no matter how important work is, I should always take care of my own health. I’m so grateful that I met you. I’m so lucky that I did.
“Who cares?” you said, looking at me with a firm gaze.
That afternoon in the ED, you sat next to me. You asked if I was adjusting well. Being in a place with a different culture, I was always worried about how others saw me. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing or doing something strange. Every time I spoke, I would rehearse it over and over in my head, worried my English wasn’t good enough. I still remember that after listening to me, you didn’t smile—you looked at me firmly and said, “Who cares?” With your beautiful heart, you told me not to be afraid.
“Because I wasn’t feeling well, they gave me some meds to help me feel better. So right now, I’m a little off and not like myself,” you said gently with a soft smile.
The last time I saw you, you seemed a bit drowsy. You didn’t have the same energy as before, but you were still you. You gently told me that it was just because of that meds and the pain, so that you weren’t as lively or full of smiles. Even when you weren’t feeling well, you were still thinking about the people around you. You were still you—so kind and beautiful. I tried hard to blink back my tears, not wanting to make you sad. I tried to smile, not wanting you to worry about me. After we said goodbye, my tears fell uncontrollably.
“See you, sweetheart.”
I regret my lack of courage—I didn’t dare to go see you on my own. But I’m also grateful that the last time we met, we said goodbye with smiles.
I typed these words in English, then deleted them, over and over again. In the end, I felt I should write them in the language I’m most familiar with. I hope a translator can convey my words more accurately.
Thank you. Knowing you, meeting you, is a gift from above.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your children John . I shall and have always remembered with fondest when I was able to talk at work with you’all . Unable to attend in-person. the whales
Deb
You fought a good fight, you finished your course and kept you faith. See you again my Friend.