Leslie Schmidtke, 88

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 two 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 out 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 began dating, were later engaged, and then married on February 14, 1956.

Kim was born in 1957, and Mike followed 2 years later. They were able to buy their first home off 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, which they lived in 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, which they have lived in for over 50 years. Kim and Darren were privileged to raise their two boys in “the beach house”.

In 1969, Leslie and her husband, Julian, 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 gift and clothing markets to hand-select merchandise that reflected their unique style and commitment to quality. They moved into their existing location on Harborview Drive in 1971. Along with selling gifts, baskets, and wicker furniture, they opened a clothing boutique within the store.

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, and she passed down her culinary skills to both of her children from an early age. Kim uses many of “mom’s 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 and made many lifelong friends. Leslie also enjoyed playing with her nine-hole group of ladies. The love of golf also led them to purchase a condo in Peoria, Arizona, on a golf course. Many couples from Gig Harbor and Tacoma also bought at Westbrook Village which led to being able to “semi- retire” and 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.

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.