Barbara Jean "Barb" Brocker

There is a certain beauty, in an honest obituary.

It paints a complete person-those who knew Barb, will appreciate and hopefully giggle at all the times she impacted your life with joy and laughter, or…the times she may have just really "ticked" (appropriate word) you off!

On Monday, Nov. 24, Barbara Jean (DeGroot) Brocker, 73 years young, had the Best Day of her life, when the Lord took her "home" and reunited her with her husband, Mort Brocker of 19 years and with family and friends she has missed so much.

Barb was FIERCE with fighting her battle with pancreatic cancer! Please know that Barbie passed away peacefully-not screaming and yelling like the passengers in her car!

Born May 24, 1952 in Green Bay, daughter of Arlene (Moes) DeGroot and the late John DeGroot. Barb graduated from Pulaski High School (diploma to prove it!)

After a few years, Barb moved to New Holstein. Barb married Mort Brocker July 22, 1995 at the Elite Bar.

Barb never retired! When living in Florence County, she was the top chef at the Florence Nursing Home.

Barb retired from living.

For those who remember the "days" of the Elite Bar-she was a master chef in her cooking! Ahh-best cheeseburger in town! Dripping with butter, caramelized onions and pickles (five-napkin burger for sure!), served with her "fondness" for colorful language and hand "gestures"-If Barb used that "certain finger" and a few colorful words, it truly meant SHE LOVED YOU!!! Hmmm…Barb is probably making food for everyone in Heaven right now!

There was not a meal or dessert Barb wouldn't or couldn't make if you asked her to. Her "rewards" were the smiles on all that enjoyed her food.

Barb just didn't do life-she owned it! Her generosity was as big as her heart, helping those in need.

Barb was full of life and lived it to the fullest-an infectious laugh and contagious smile; even if her "partial" fell out!

Barb is survived by her mother, Arlene (Moes) DeGroot; brothers, John (Bonnie) and Jerry (Carla); Mort's daughter, Sandy (Kevin) Blatz and family; many nephews; nieces; and many friends.

Barb was a wonderful daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend to so many.

Now let's tell the facts about this amazing woman: Barb believed there was a correct answer to everything-and she was right…problem was, it always had to be her answer! Barb was a master of sarcasm! Yet, she could laugh at herself. Barb enjoyed life filled with laughter and at times made questionable decisions-some of you reading this may have been a part of her decision making.

Per Barb's request, she wanted no fuss, funeral or celebration of life-okay, Barbie; once again, your wish is our command.

Now that doesn't mean she wants you to forget her! And, if you do, she'll probably come back to haunt you!

In memory of Barb, make a meal, share with a neighbor or friend, smile, laugh, "Flip the Bird" in Love!

Live life to the fullest!