Barbara Jean Spagnoletti

1940 - 2024

Barbara Jean Spagnoletti, age 83 of Menomonie, WI passed away peacefully at American Lutheran Home on Saturday, April 6. She was born May 26, 1940 in Eau Claire, WI to Perry and Helen (Swetlik) Scritsmier. She was raised in Elk Lake and graduated from Elk Mound High School in 1958. During this time, she met the love of her life, Daryl "Corky" Spagnoletti, and they were married October 17, 1959, in Elk Mound. They enjoyed 58 years together and two sons were born to this union.

The day after Barb graduated high school, she and her special lifelong friend, Joanne Smith, went to work at the WI Bell telephone company in Eau Claire. Barb started out as a long-distance operator, where she excelled! From time-to-time, Barb was forced into leaving, as she had her first son, Tim, in 1961 and then again for her second son, Tony in 1965. In 1970, Barb's husband Corky was elected Sheriff of Dunn County. Barb and Corky moved into the living quarters for the sheriff's family at the jail, where she became matron and cook for the jail, as well as raising her family. She also served as a cub scout den mother from 1973-1974.

In 1975, Barb returned to WI Bell. She was very talented and artistic. Barb was often called upon to decorate the Eau Claire office for special occasions because of her creativity. Barb also won several awards during her tenure at the phone company. She was part of The Circle of Excellence in 1985 and 1986 and was the recipient of the American Eagle Award.

During Barb's years at the phone company, a traveling sisterhood was formed in the early '90s with fellow employees, Maxine Searle, Marjorie Bunce, Judy Kolar, Pat Anderson, and Sandy Henke. Enjoying a first trip together to Florida, these six gals became the "Trip Chicks" and enjoyed an annual trip for many years. Fun and wonderful memories included: adventures to New York City with an appearance on the "Today Show," trips to Savannah, Hilton Head, Sanibel Island, Puerta Vallarta, a spot at the "Oprah Winfrey Show" during their trip to Chicago, and a special Wyoming adventure to the ranch of Senator Herb Kohl. A special thanks to his representative Marjorie Bunce.

This wonderful circle of friendship has remained strong with these ladies throughout the years.

Barb's career progressed from an information operator to long-distance operator to customer service representative. Excelling and exceeding expectations her whole career, Barb retired in 1985 when the Eau Claire office closed.

Known to be quite a storyteller, Barb was always recalling even the smallest of details.

She was always dressed to the nines and was never without her accessories. She was known as a "fashionista" to her granddaughters. She was an excellent seamstress sewing her own clothes, curtains, and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren a long with decorating for holidays and special events.

Barb was no pushover; she won the Dunn County Fair men's demolition derby. With no other women willing to compete, she was entered into the men's division and beat them all.

She loved her family, especially doting on her grandchildren, and even more her great grandchild. Barb's deepest desire was to "live long enough to be a great-grandmother."

This came to fruition in 2021, with the birth of Meredith James to Madi and Greg, and will happen again in July with the birth of another great granddaughter to Jenna and Mike. This was one of Barb's greatest joys.

She will be greatly missed by all, but she knew her Lord Jesus as Savior and is now dancing the polka in heaven with Corky to "Rocky Top Tennessee."

Barb is survived by two sons, Timothy (Diane Shamens) Spagnoletti, Anton "Tony" (Allison) Spagnoletti; four grandchildren, Kyle (Kayla Falk) Spagnoletti, Jenna (Mike Kendzierski), Madison (Greg) Mackey and Mallory Spagnoletti; and great grandchild Meredith Mackey. Barb is also survived by sister Carol Schwebach, brother Dave (Sandy) Scritsmier, Ron Scritsmier, Aunt Mill Legge, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daryl "Corky" Spagnoletti; father, Perry Scritsmier; mother, Helen Scritsmier; father-in-law, Don Spagnoletti; mother-in-law, Donna Spagnoletti; grandparents, Paul and Hilda Swetlik; and Fred and Alice Scritsmier. She is also survived by sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Gari (Judi), Jim (Beverly), Tom (Joan), Diane (Dave) Hennig and Mary T Shoeneberg, half brother-in-law Ron (Marilyn) Smith and their families.

The family would like to thank the staff at the American Lutheran Home in Menomonie for the loving care that they provided.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI, with Pastor Robert Koept officiating. Following the service there will be lunch at the funeral home. The burial will be in the Waneka Cemetery in the Town of Spring Brook, Dunn County, WI, at a later date.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at olsonfuneral.com.