Kristine “Kris” Ann Backes

Backes, Kristine Ann, ‘Kris’ (Schmidt)

Passed away peacefully December 30, 2025 at the age of 80. Wife of Anthony (Tony) for 54 years. Mother of Andrew (Jennifer), Amy, William (Cara), Jane (Justin) and Karen (Jake). Grandmother of Colton, Michael and Penny. Daughter of Norbert and Kathryn Schmidt of Milwaukee. Sister of Bill (Gloria) and Susie (Bob). Godmother to Bonnie Jean. Cousin, aunt, and beloved neighbor and friend of many.

Born in Milwaukee on December 29, 1945, Kris spent her life educating. Whether it was kids at Golda Meir, or her own gaggle of 5 and all their endless friends and exchange students coming and going, she always had a kind word, motherly wisdom to bestow, and a book to share with everyone. She graduated from Custer High School, where she met her husband Tony, and held a Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After college, she taught Catholic elementary school, before taking time off to have her children. After her 4th kid, she started working at Golda Meir Elementary School in Milwaukee as the librarian. She spent the rest of her career, and a good chunk of her retirement, in that building.

She married the love of her life, Tony, after ‘running into him’ at a friend’s wedding after their paths separated for a time, in August, 1971. They spent over 54 years together, most of it centered around their blue house on north 35th street in Milwaukee. The door was always open there, to any friend, family member or neighbor. It was a constant hub of activity, revolving around children, books and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Kris really thrived on that chaos.

Kris will be missed by many and remembered for her generosity and kindness.

Please join us in celebrating the warm, thoughtful woman Kris was at her Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. The Visitation will begin at 1:30 PM, with the Celebration of Life beginning at 3:30 PM, and a reception to follow.

Come as you are comfortable: Mom’s favorite color was blue, but if funeral black, denim or sparkles are more your mood, then that’s ok too.

Livestream of Celebration of Life available on Krause website during the service, and via playback for 90 days after.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Kris’ favorite causes:

National Park Foundation: ensuring we can all enjoy the outdoors. https://give.nationalparks.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3144&mfc_pref=T&3144.donation=form1

Diverse Books: ensuring children have books to love. https://www.diversebooks.org/support

Friends of the Shorewood Library: https://www.shorewoodlibrary.org/connect/friends/join_friends.php