Howard M Barr

Howard M. Barr, age 97, of Colby passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 1, 2025 at the House of the Dove in Marshfield under the tender care of Compassus Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Colby, with Father Arockia Amirtha Raj officiating. Family and friends are invited to join the family at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the church. Military Honors provided by the Colby VFW Post #2227. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is entrusted with the arrangements.

Howard was born on July 20, 1928, the son of Worthing "Pat" and Hilda (Lahn) Barr in Neillsville. He attended Colby schools and graduated from Colby High School in 1946. Howard enlisted in the US Army serving in Korea from 1946-47. He was united in marriage to Mercedes Kaiser in 1952. She preceded him in death during childbirth in 1955 along with their baby daughter, Linda. On January 5, 1957, Howard was united in marriage to Betty Gall at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.

Howard worked for General Telephone Company for a couple of years before working for NSP (now Excel Energy) in 1955 retiring in 1990. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, wood working, and tending to his vegetable garden. Most importantly, Howard cherished his family and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandson.

Howard is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty; three children: Jeff Barr of Westboro, Diane (Terry) Hanson of Colby and Brenda (Scott) Jeffers of Hudson; five grandchildren: Kyle Hanson (Tiffany Reynolds), Tyler Hanson (Kristie Capson), Hannah Jeffers, Rachel Jeffers and Jordyn Jeffers; one great-grandson, Colt Hanson. He is further survived by his two brothers: Donald Barr and Kenneth (Sena) Barr; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mercedes; an infant daughter, Linda; a sister, Dolores (Maurice) Thompson; a daughter-in-law, Kathy (Rindt) Barr and a sister-in-law, Lennice (Frome) Barr.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.