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Barbara Colson Obituary
Barbara Ann Colson, age 68, of Combined Locks passed away peacefully on Monday morning, December 29, 2014 with her family at her side at The Bridges of Appleton Nursing Home. She was born on February 6, 1946 in Menasha, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Melvin and Marjorie (Hawkinson) Smith. On October 11, 1980 she married Norman Lee Colson in Menasha, and the couple lovingly brought their families together. Barb worked for some time as a Physical Therapist Assistant, but was more well-known as a hairstylist. Barb built, owned, and operated Midway Hair Care. She was a joyful, fun-loving, strong woman with the deepest love for her family. She loved singing, traveling, camping, and entertaining at her home. Barb's love, her sense of humor, and her true beauty will be sadly missed by her family.
Barb is survived by her loving husband, Norm; daughter, Marni (Dune) Fuller, Darboy; step-daughters: Cynthia (Buzz) Hempel, Austin, TX; Susan (Amos) Cooper, Beaumont, TX; Vicky (Bruce) Bodway, New London; grandchildren: Josh, Amber, Jacob, Bradley, Jordan, Rylee, Claudia, Marcus; great granddaughter, Jenna; a sister, Sue (Jim) Roesler; three brothers: Jim (Mardi) Smith, Gene Smith, Butch Smith; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Monica Hampton-Leitzke, and her first husband, Thom Zeleske.
A Celebration of Barb's life will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents in St. Mary Cemetery, Menasha. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Barb's name.
Westgor Funeral Home
1140 Appleton Road
Menasha 720-0314
Online Condolences
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
The family would like to thank Barb's cousin, Carol Tesch, the staffs of The Bridges, and of Heartland Hospice for your exceptional care and compassion through her illness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Colson
January 13, 2015
Barb and I worked together at Richard's in Appleton 41 years ago. She was the best part of having to work on weekends because she always came in bubbling with laughter and fun. She worked in the chair next to mine and had both her ladies and mine in stitches. always humming and cracking a joke,like the time she came in and told us about Tom's haircut for summer camp.She said she was using the clippers on him and the cat jumped on the cord and she skinned all the hair in a big spot so he had a much SHORTER haircut than the Reserves required. I saw you a few years ago at Special Memories Zoo in Greenville with the grandkids I recognized you right away and loved talking about the Old days. Iknow your in heaven laughing and smiling and leading the choir of angels in a tune or two, meanwhile we are sending our love to you. Dawn Vandenberg
Cheryl Heale
January 10, 2015
I am so very sad to learn of Barb's passing. We had so many good times when our girls were young. One could not be anything but happy being around Barb Saying prayers.
Carol Tesch
January 10, 2015
From riding the cows and the horse.From playing with the endless puppies Tammy had, to living together, taking vacations together, and raising the kids.The times of singing in big family parties, to just the two of us when you got home from school. The beauty shop, and the hours in the ceramic shop.You even shared in helping me take care of my mom. The memories are endless. We shared a lot. I will treasure up these memories until I see you again. Hard to imagine there will be no more long talks, and laughs. Love you always, sister, Carol
Darrel Whiting
January 10, 2015
Norman and family, please accept our most heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beautiful wife....May God give you and your family the strength to see this through...sorry we could not be there - from all the Whiting Family
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Brian & Cheryl Coates
January 9, 2015
RIP. Barb will be missed. Many laughs and games at the trailer with Barb & Norm.
juanita dumke
January 7, 2015
Barb, i have fond memories of when we lived in van handels trailer park when jeff and monica were little (long before Tammy and Marni were born). They would play outside with tony...when the 3 of them got into trouble, you would line them up, and slap, slap, slap....1slap on each of their behinds...then you would say..." NOW WHO DID WHAT???" Never any favouritism because moni was the only girl! Do you remember when jeff and monica got married by the sandbox? She wore my veil and a rug like a cape! These memories still make me laugh!!
Rest in peace and my God be with you my old friend.
Juanita Dumke
tammy dumke
January 7, 2015
Barb, your bright smile and contagious laugh will be missed by sooo many! You were like another mom to myself and the rest of Marnis friends throughout high school:) thanks for the special memories!!
With love,
Tammy and Juanita
Lois Kouyias
January 6, 2015
Condolences to Barb's family. Barb was a lovely, talented lady. I will remember her with great affection.
January 5, 2015
Barb was a friend who made fine harmonies in the band. She was outgoing & friendly & easy to like. I will miss her as a band mate & a friend. Dean Sauers
January 5, 2015
Can't begin to relate all the memories and stories I have of Barb, my dear friend from 5th grade on. I will never forget how much we laughed together, sang together, got into trouble together. I never thought I'd finish this journey of life without you. I will miss you always and love you forever. Until we meet again!
Love,
Joanne Kelley Orvik
Wayne Rippl
January 5, 2015
Barb, met you for the first time some fifty years ago. Sang with you and Tanya for about year, but never had the chance to really get to know you then. Managed to hook up again ten years ago and we've done a whole lot of singing together since. You were always a good friend and even better person. Had many good times with you, Norm, and Tanya. Managed to have more than our share of laughs. Rest in peace, Barb. See you on the other side. Your friend always, Wayne
Mark Bradish
January 4, 2015
Barb-you had a wonderful gift of music!
You could pick out when a harmony was needed for a song and just knew how to find and sing that harmony with your beautiful voice. I will miss your creativity.
Barbara Drinkwine
January 4, 2015
Barb was always and first a good friend. She just loved everyone! One story her family might like to read. When we were sophomores at MHS, Barb told she would like to be a beautician someday and so I let her "practice on my hair". She "peroxided" my hair...with peroxide. To say the least, my hair was very white for awhile. She was simply the best...with a loving personality. She will be missed.
January 4, 2015
Barb my BFF forever, one could not have been a better friend, will have lots of wonderful memories of you and I singing with the group, and all our other fun times going places . you are missed so very much, well cherish all our fun memories forever, Love You and miss you!!! Tanya
Gloria Pagel
January 4, 2015
I was so sorry hear of Barb's passing. I worked with Barb in a nursing home,in activities,several years ago. She always made me smile and laugh. She had such creative ideas to comfort and entertain the residents there.One day she brought in a lamb and I pushed her around in a wheel chair to visit the residents!!They loved it. She set up a time for quiet time in the rose garden,with music and lemonade for the residents with memory problems. These times make me smile. Rest in peace ,Barbara
Kathy and Pat Gambsky
January 4, 2015
Our prayers go out to the family of Barb. The memories of Barbs laughter, Midway haircare and the old ceramic shop downstairs are a treasure, brings a smile to my face when I think about all the great times. Miss you
January 4, 2015
I remember you as a kind, joyful, beautiful, gracious lady. I remember Norm from the Institute of Paper Chemistry and you were very lucky to find each other.
Nona Roesler Kyle
mike kordus
January 3, 2015
Barbie you were a good friend .I'm really going to miss you.Rest in peace pretty girl.GOD BLESS YOY..
Good old days
Butch Smith
January 1, 2015
Love and miss you Barb. We had a great life growing up in the country for sure. I miss the old days camping when you and I were always up early for coffee, all the sing-alongs , and games with the kids. The old days on the farm, riding the cows and having all the wild pets. Hoping you have all that and more where you now are. Love, Brother Butch.
Jim and Mardee Smith
December 31, 2014
We love you and will miss you. Brother Jim and sister-in-law Mardee
Susan Roesler
December 31, 2014
I love you and miss you so much.Give Mom and Dad a hug for me. See you later! Sister Sue
Sally Handler Tews
December 31, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Barb's passing.My condolences to the family.
Sally Handler Tews
December 30, 2014
I am very sorry to hear of Barb's passing.
Condolences to her family.
Walter Webster
December 30, 2014
You will be missed with that infectious smile and personality. Sleep in peace. Woody
Judy Deater
December 30, 2014
Barb, until we meet again i will remember your joyous spirit and how you laughed at me when riding the heifer freaked me out!
Kate Krock
December 30, 2014
Cuzzin Barb I love u soooooo much and will have cuzzinitis until we meet again LOVE. Cuzzin kate
Nancy Hahnen McCormick
December 29, 2014
Such wonderful memories I have of Barb. We were in school from 1st grade through graduation. Many times we got each other in trouble ... from sneaking out of the first grade classroom to putting lipstick on in sixth grade. Jumping into swimming pools fully clothed in high school. Barb was such a wonderful spirit ... a great friend. We were so lucky to see her once again at our 50th class reunion this past summer. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed.
Marni Fuller
December 29, 2014
Mom, always remember.... I love you more??
Marni fuller
December 29, 2014
Mom,
Always remember.....I love you more??
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