Photo courtesy of HILDEBRAND - RUSS FUNERAL HOME - Rhinelander
Jun 25, 1939 - Feb 21, 2025
I am thinking of all of you, so sorry for the loss of a very sweet lady.
Sherry Kaars
March 22, 2025 | Commerce Twp, MI | Friend
Grandma Barb I will miss you everyday of my life, until we meet again. You were the matriarch of our family. I love you and, heaven is so lucky to have you. Rest in paradise. Sending my love to Heaven -your "Miss Ameriga" Danielle Jean. Xoxo
The Matriach, the one who could light up a room, she was the sweetest, kindest, never had a bad word to say about anyone. The Best Grandma to walk the earth. I will miss her, until we meet again. Rest in Paradise Grandma Barb.
Danielle Jean Pietila
March 18, 2025 | De Pere, WI | Grandchild
Barbara Jean Pietila
June 25, 1939 ~ February 21, 2025
Age ~ 85
Barbara Jean Pietila, 85, of Bruce Crossing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 21,2025, at the Iron River Care Center in Iron River, Michigan.
She was bornJune 25, 1939,to Charles and Agnes Hines and grew up in Watersmeet, Michigan.
She attended Watersmeet school and graduated in 1957. She married Gerald W. Pietila, (Bill), the love of her life, on September 27, 1958. They celebrated 65 wonderful years together in September of 2023. They built and made their home in Bruce Crossing, Michigan.
Barb and Bill owned and operated the Limberlost restaurant and concessions at the Bond Falls Park and recreation area for 10 years. Barb was a real go getter of a worker,and she loved the people. After her time at Bond Falls, Barb enjoyed being a cook at Tulppo’s restaurant in Bruce Crossing. She also worked for the Community Schools program at the Ewen-Trout Creek schools and taught art and painting classes. Barb had a love for art, as she was a very good painter and artist. Barb later went on to attend college and received nursing accreditation from Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Barb was also employed as a nurse’s assistant at the Phelps hospital in Phelps,Wisconsin until its closure. Barb was then employed by the Western Upper Peninsula health department and cared for patients in their homes.When not caring for others, Barb had a silk flower business where she mademany flower arrangements for weddings, Memorial Day, special occasions, and funerals.Her arrangements were beautifullycreated. She really had a talent for placing such colorful arrangements together.
Barb had so many hobbies as well. She loved knitting,finding bargains at garage sales,visiting thrift stores, antique shops, auctions, and collecting various items.She enjoyed camping,many lake days on the pontoon, and fishing.Barb was the light and life of the party, and she hosted them well.She spent countless hours making Afghan blankets a few months each winter. Barb and her late husband Bill lived in Apache Junction, Arizona for short periods during the winter, both enjoying their retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, son Michael, and siblings, Jim, John, Joe, Helen, Buck, Albert, Charles (Dutch), Dorothy, and Irene.
She is survived by four sons Tom,(Sherri),Larry, longtime caregiver to Barb and Bill, Joe (Brenda), and Steve (Tammy). Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, and nephews.
The visitation and service for Barb will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Watersmeet, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM Central time and the Memorial Mass at 1:00 PM Central time. Fr. Daniel Fosu will be the Celebrant. Inurnment will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to Hildebrand Funeral Home of Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
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