Barbara Meinecke

Barbara Ann Meinecke

April 10, 1947 – December 16, 2024

Barbara Ann Meinecke, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. She was born on April 10, 1947, in Bay City, MI, to Claude and Marian (Bickel) Wuepper. A proud alumna of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Barbara studied medical technology and dedicated over 25 years to serving patients at Covenant Medical Center.

On November 22, 1969, Barbara married Donald H. Meinecke. Over their 55 years together, they navigated life’s challenges and joys with unwavering dedication, always bringing out the best in each other. Their journey was one of shared growth, deep commitment, and lasting partnership. Together, they enjoyed traveling across the United States and beyond, wintering in Florida, lots of dancing at the German-American Club, cheering on their children and grandchildren at countless sporting events, dance recitals, and music productions and attending performances at Bay City Players with close friends.

While Barbara appeared quiet and reserved, her actions spoke volumes. She was a fierce advocate for those in need, dedicating herself to service through mission trips to Haiti, Mexico, and Transylvania. Her compassion extended to Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer, where she served as a companion. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she supported numerous relief organizations.

Barbara’s legacy of love and service lives on through her children: Julie Meinecke, Brian (Amy) Meinecke, and Carolyn (Jim) Batista; and her beloved grandchildren: John Milewski III, James Milewski, Peyton Batista, and Katelyn Batista. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathy (Steve) Young and Jeff (Shirlene) Wuepper; in-laws Jean Schluckebier and Ken (Leigh Ann) Meinecke; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, Henry and Grace Meinecke.

Barbara will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her quiet strength, and her boundless love for her family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 10995 Canada Rd., Birch Run, Michigan. Pastor Gary Beck will officiate with burial in Eastlawn Cemetery.  Barb’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the mission God’s Children Haiti or Camp Quality Michigan.