Barbara Lou Habeck

widowed. She was afflicted with Alzheimer's and is now at peace.

Barbara nee Lemke was born June 20, 1935 to Margaret (Maggie) and William (Bill) Lemke in Birnamwood, Wi. She attended Birnamwood High School where she was active in drama, sports, and was head majorette as well as an excellent student who loved math and reading. While in school she met Dale Habeck through a mutual friend. It was love at first sight; they married June 21, 1952.

In June, 1953, Debra was born followed by 5 more girls, Diane, Donele, Darla, Darsi and Dana. Barbara dedicated her life to being a wonderful wife and mother. She took classes at Wausau Tech to learn sewing, cake decorating, and business skills. Those skills served her well as a spouse, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Barbara could cook, bake, sew, can fruits and vegetables and make jam. She was like a second mother to her nieces, nephews and her daughter's friends. In her own words, "We ate economically but we never went hungry. There was always enough to feed whomever was visiting."

Barbara and Dale started Dale's Repair Shop which eventually expanded into snowmobiles, trailers, minibikes, chainsaws and more. Through the business she and Dale were able to travel internationally as well as befriending several Packers players. After Dale became disabled Barbara drove school bus, she later worked at The Women's Community (TWC) for over 20 years where she was able to assist women and children in very difficult situations. At TWC she worked with many wonderful people; their friendships continued until her death. Barbara enjoyed playing cards, especially Skipbo with her grandchildren and anyone else who wanted to lose! She also enjoyed watching the Packers and DC Everest football, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and singing.

Her greatest love, her constant source of peace was her love for God and serving him throughout her life. Whether it was clearing land for Redeemer Lutheran Church's construction, Ladies Aid projects, choir or teaching Sunday School, Barbara did it to the best of her abilities. Barbara and Dale were charter members of Redeemer. Her friends from Redeemer remained close and dear. Over the last 3 years Barbara was faithfully served by Pastors Klatt, Hilmer and Ehlert, in Minneapolis, Oconomowoc and Green Bay, respectively.

Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Dale, parents, Margaret and William Lemke, and sisters, Dolores Minarik and Sandra Meidl, brothers-in-law, Leonard Minarik and James Hansen, nephew, Jeffrey Hansen and niece, Mary Jo Raeder. Barbara is survived by her six daughters, Debbie (Dr. Timothy) Freeman, Green Bay, WI, Diane Dicke, Plymouth, MN, Donele (Darrell) Parrish, Cross Plains, WI, Darla (Ricardo) Pardo, Golden Valley, MN, Darsi (Mike) Anderson, Louisville, KY and Dana Habeck, Minneapolis, MN, 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Barbara loved those babies! Also, Barb is survived by her dear sister, Violet Hansen and brother-in-law, James Meidl and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family requests that all expressions of sympathy be sent to: Donele Parrish, 2709 S Elmwood Cir E, Cross Plains, WI 53528 or brought to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6404 Old Costa Ln, Weston, WI 54476. There will be a memorial funeral service at Redeemer, Pastor Ryan Cortright presiding, Saturday, April 15. Visitation at 2 pm, service at 3 pm followed by a meal. Memorials may be donated to The Women's Community (TCW), 3200 Hilltop Ave, Wausau, WI 54401 or Redeemer Lutheran Campus Renewal Fund.