In Memory of Darci (Schmidt) Barrett

Darci (Schmidt) Barrett, age 64, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on April 6, 2026, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. 

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Darci Lee Barrett, twin daughter of Thomas R. and Donna N. (Wood) Schmidt, was born on August 5, 1961, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was raised in Battle Creek, Iowa, where she attended Battle Creek High School, graduating with the Class of 1979. She continued her education at the Spencer School of Business, earning a technical degree in accounting in 1980. 

After finishing her education, Darci settled in Spencer, Iowa, where she began her career with Farmer’s Savings Bank. She later spent a brief time in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Holstein, Iowa and eventually on to Topeka, Kansas. From a previous marriage, she was blessed with her son, Austin. While in Topeka, Darci continued her work in banking before joining Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she remained until her retirement. Following her retirement, she returned to Battle Creek to be closer to her family. 

In her free time, Darci enjoyed a variety of crafts, including cross-stitch, stamping, crocheting, and ceramics. She also had a love for watching sci-fi movies and playing Skip-Bo. When her son was younger, she took great joy in attending his sporting events. During her time in Topeka, Darci was a member of the Baptist church, where she served on the daycare committee. After returning to Battle Creek, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was active in Bible study. 

Darci was a woman of deep faith and remarkable strength. A three-time cancer survivor, she faced her health challenges with courage and resilience. She will be remembered for her uplifting spirit, as well as her warm smile and laughter that could brighten any room. Darci will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Left to cherish her memory include her son Austin Barrett of Topeka, KS; twin sister Marci (Gary) Peterson of Battle Creek, IA; sister Gena (Tom) Prazan of Omaha, NE; aunt Judy Schmidt of Battle Creek, IA; uncle and aunt Francis “Teko” (Cheryl) Wood of El Paso, TX; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Donna Schmidt; and brother Kerwin Schmidt.