Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Aug 29, 1945 – Jul 31, 2015 (Age 69)
Martha S. Barr
(Nee Strassburger) Passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of Friday, July 31, 2015 in the company of her loving family. Resident of Fox Point but in her heart she was a lifetime resident of Whitefish Bay. Beloved wife of Richard "Dick" Barr. Loving mother of Christopher (Denise) Barr, Mindy (Brian) Makinster, Karth (Amy) Barr and Molly (James) Norris. Doting grandmother "Grambee" of Nick and Ellie Barr; Madelynn, Bo and Lillie Makinster; Bennett and Peyton Barr; and Lincoln and Brooklyn Norris. Dear sister of Gus (Tavorn) Strassburger and the late Dr. John Strassburger. Dear sister-in-law of John's wife, Trudy Strassburger, aunt of four caring nieces and wonderful friend to many. Martha is further survived by her devoted dog, Jazz who was her best guardian and loved companion for the last 17 years.
Martha was a graduate of Whitefish Bay High School and Colorado Women's College in Denver, CO. She and Dick were married in 1966. They raised their four children while moving to different residences in Iowa, Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina and Wisconsin. They choose to return to Whitefish Bay to call their home for the majority of their family life. Martha would not deny that she was a product of the sixties which was evident by the blue Volkswagen bus she drove. She looked at the world with a vision of love and beauty which was evident by the artistic flair she had in much of what she did. Among the many careers Martha had, all of which brought her pure joy, she was a window designer on Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay, a special needs provider at Richards School, a retail specialist at the Milwaukee Art Museum and a free lance flower designer. She had a deep compassion for caring for others and she always loved being a mom.
Martha truly loved and embraced life. She welcomed into her life everyone she met and unconditionally accepted others for where they were in their own lives and encouraged others to find their God given gifts. Martha was loved by everyone who knew her. Those who knew her well were blessed to be in her circle. Her family, who was her pride and joy, felt especially blessed and will miss her profoundly, for she was wife, mom, Grambee, sister, aunt, friend, and an overall beautiful lady with a beautiful spirit. Martha will be dearly missed by all whose hearts she has touched but she will live on in all the beauty she has brought into this world.
A visitation will be held at Feerick Funeral Home on Friday, August 7th from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service to celebrate Martha's life will be held on Saturday, August 8th, at Fox Point Lutheran Church, 7510 N. Santa Monica Dr in Fox Point at 10:00 am. A private burial will follow the service for immediate family only.
In loving memory of Martha, please consider sending a memorial in her name to the Faith Cancer Clinic at Froedtert Hospital, 8800 W. Doyne Ave, Froedtert Hospital Campus, Milwaukee, WI 53226.
Though four years passed, I still miss you, Ernie. You were the best sister-in-law and most loving sister. So proud of you for being the best role model for your children. Glad that you rested in peace knowing that you left the most wonderful legacy of loving family.
October 27, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of your loss.Martha was a lovely person.
Martha and I were roommates at our Church Retreat Week-end. We had the best time and talked into the early morning hours. She loved her family and so proud of each and every one of you. Sending our condolences and know that you have so many wonderful memories of her.
George and Linda Solveson
August 08, 2015
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Martha was a beautiful lady in every way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary and Ron Schwertfeger
August 08, 2015
Our last encounters were at the Hair Stylists----having your beautiful hair taken care of, dressed (as always) in the best of fashion. We exchanged updates on our children and grandchildren. I realized how much I would miss your smiling face and engaging personality, whether on the sidelines of a soccer field, or sitting across from you while being pampered by our favorite Hair Stylists.
Martha, you will be missed by more people than you could imagine. Take care everyone.
Marlene Dombrowski
August 07, 2015 | Glendale, WI
My sincere sympathy for this wonderful lady. She was truly a caring, kind and compassionate woman. A fellow WFB grade school and high school friend. Our parents were also friends.
God bless you all at this difficult time.
Linda Robnett Short
August 07, 2015
In memory of a woman who had left her kindness with everyone she knew.
Sandra Galitzer-Easley
August 06, 2015 | Tucson, AZ
My sincere sympathy for your loss. May our Heavenly Father give you strength and bless you with peace during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
August 05, 2015
Thinking of the entire Barr family at this time. We have many, many wonderful memories of Martha. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Beth Eydam
August 05, 2015 | Knoxville, TN
You called me Beth Anne, even though my middle name was Diane. You were my first grown up friend, I think I was 9 or 10. You were a friend, a mentor, a mom, and an inspiration to me always. You had a love for all things blue, green and purple, a love for VW buses, Black labs, colorful marbles, crazy fun knick knacks, fencing (little know fact) flowers, dolls, good music and most of all your family. You saw beauty in everything. You were so creative... designing the beautiful store fronts on...
Beth LaFond
August 04, 2015 | Mequon, WI