Leslie Schmidtke

Leslie Schmidtke went to be with Jesus after peacefully passing away at home on August 2, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Leslie was born on November 13, 1936, in Tacoma, Washington to Lester and Laodice McKeen. Leslie was an only child who grew up with 2 very special cousins Pat and Harriet, who were like sisters to her. She was very close to her dad, his sisters and her grandparents. Leslie was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Julian; daughter Kim Stokke (Darren); son Mike Schmidtke; grandsons Alan Stokke (Jessica), Ryan Stokke (Jodee); and great-grandchildren Desiree, Hunter, and Analyn "AJ" Stokke. She also leaves behind her cousin Harriet (Rich), brother- and sister-in-law Ron and Sharon Schmidtke, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. Leslie was preceded in death by her father Lester McKeen; mother Laodice Tullis; Aunts; Code, Margaret, Henri; and cousin Pat. Leslie's early years were spent in Olympia, Tacoma, Vashon Island and Gig Harbor. She graduated from Stadium High School In 1955. She met her husband, Julian while attending college at the College of Puget Sound (now UPS). Leslie was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and Julian was a Kappa Sig. Julian spied Leslie and a few of her sorority sisters looking out the sorority house windows. He pointed to Leslie and told his friend Jim that she was the woman that he was going to marry! Kappa Sigma and Pi Beta Phi often had mixers and they got to know each other better. They started dating, were engaged, and then married on Valentine's Day 1956. Kim was born in 1957 and Mike followed 2 years later. They were able to buy their first home off of 12th street in Tacoma where they were surrounded by family and friends. Eventually they outgrew that home and built their "pretty home'" in University Place, where they lived until moving into "the beach house" in Gig Harbor. When that home became too small, they moved up the road and built their dream home where they have lived for over 50 years. Kim and Darren were privileged to raise their two boys in "the beach house". In 1969, Leslie and her husband embarked on a shared dream when they opened the Beach Basket Gift Shop. Over the next 56 years, they nurtured and expanded their business in multiple locations with passion and care. Together, they traveled to Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and abroad to hand-select merchandise that reflected their unique style and commitment to quality. They moved into their existing location on Harborview Dr in 1971. Along with selling gifts, baskets and wicker furniture they opened a clothing boutique within the store. In the 70s Leslie belonged to an organization of women business owners call DAGHLAM (Downtown Association of Gig Harbor Lady Merchants. It was a wonderful group that came together to help promote/support small business and restaurants in Gig Harbor. The Christmas Shop was born after the gift shop became too small to house all the lovely Christmas Merchandise they wanted to sell, and eventually became a year-round Christmas Shop managed by daughter, Kim until she retired. Son Mike now manages the gift and clothing business. Leslie was a kind and respected boss to the many high school/college employees that worked seasonally. Customer service was always at the heart of Leslie's work-she believed in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made everyone feel at home. Leslie was an avid reader who shared that love with daughter Kim. A talented cook, she passed down her culinary skills to both of her children from an early age. Kim uses many of "moms' recipes". Her baked bean quintet is always a hit at barbecues. The love of hospitality is something they also share. Golfing brought her relaxation and fun. Julian and Leslie became members of the Tacoma Golf and Country Club where they enjoyed playing Twilight Golf as a couple made many new friends who they still enjoy to this day. Leslie also enjoyed playing with her nine-hole group pf ladies. The love of golf also lead them to purchase a condo in Peoria, AZ, on a golf course that was just being developed. Many couples from Gig Harbor and Tacoma also bought at Westbrook Village which lead to being able to "semi- retire", and they enjoy extended visits to Arizona. Grandsons Alan and Ryan spent every mid-winter break in Arizona with their grandparents.They had many adventures exploring Arizona,while driving around in Grandpa's 1976 Mercedes Sedan , which they called the putter-putt car. They listened to Tommy Dorsey's "Dolores " ,and other big band hits. It helped the boys develop a love of all types of music. They also had their first opportunities to play golf ,which they enjoy to this day. Travel offered adventure and discovery. Cruising became a favorite way for Leslie and Julian to explore the world-they embarked on 19 cruises together before Leslie's health challenges made travel more difficult. One especially memorable journey was 72-day cruise from Seattle to the Aleutian Islands, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands before docking in San Diego. The trip through the Panama Canal was also a highlight. The city of Hong Kong was very special to both Julian and Leslie, and they often purchased merchandise for the store there. For their 50th wedding Anniversary the couple celebrated by taking the family on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera -a celebration that reflected Leslie's love for family and creating lasting memories together. Leslie was known for her kindness, she lived a full and vibrant life marked by deep family bonds and loving friendships. Kim would describe her mom as her best friend, and they enjoyed spending time going to musicals, lunches, garden tours and shopping together. Dementia made mom's world smaller, and Kim liked to take her mom out to have her nails done. Leslie loved looking at her pretty pink finger nails. As mom's appetite grew smaller, we would go to McDonalds for a cheeseburger, fries and chocolate milk shake. Mom loved her chocolate milk shake! Kim and Mike wish to thank their dad, Julian for taking such loving care of their mom, which allowed her to stay in their home. Kim also wishes to thank her brother, Mike for all he did to make that happen. A Celebration of Leslie's Life will be held on September 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM at Harbor Covenant Church 4901 Gustafson Dr NW Gig Harbor, Wa 98332 In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that remembrances be made to the Harbor Covenant Church benevolent fund in memory of Leslie Schmidtke. Checks may be sent to Harbor Covenant Church with a note, for the benevolent fund in memory of Leslie Schmidtke. 4901 Gustafson Dr NW Gig Harbor, Wa. 98332. Or donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Leslie's memory.