Barbara Ann Kimmes

Barbara Ann Kimmes (72) of Verona WI, passed away peacefully at UW Hospital in Madison WI on December 28, 2025, with her son and daughter holding her hands.

Barb was born in Superior, WI on July 18, 1953, to William and Joanne (Pearson) Kimmes. She was the firstborn of Bill and Joanne’s ten children, and loved growing up with her brothers, sisters, grandparents, and extended family. Throughout her life, Barb lived in multiple places in Wisconsin and Michigan - Superior, Madison, Verona, Ironwood, Rice Lake, and Marquette. In each place she lived, she valued spending time with family and very special friends.

Following graduation from Ironwood Catholic High School, Barb earned a nursing degree from Gogebic Community College (Ironwood, MI) in 1975 and was very proud of caring for patients in both hospital and group home settings. Barb was married to Greg Maki on September 17, 1977, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. They later divorced but their respect and admiration for one another endured. Barb loved to race snowmobiles, downhill ski, and fish. She loved singing along with George Strait on the radio, serving her lasagna, and baking.

With an ever-flowing stash of yarn and fabric in reserve, Barb was an artist - always creating her signature “pizzazz piece.” She was an avid knitter, sewer, and quilter. While she loved creating, her greatest love was to gift her works to people she loved or people she felt needed some hope or joy.

Barb cherished the communities she nurtured and the people within them. When you had a conversation with Barb, she made you feel seen, like the most important person in the room. Memories of her cracking open a cold Diet Coke, sharing a few jokes, and laughing with her sparkling bright blue eyes will forever warm our hearts.

Barb loved her family and friends with the warmth, compassion, and way of Christ. She is survived by her daughter Lynn (David) of Madison, WI, and son Greg (Erin) of Strum, WI; her beloved grandchildren Francesca, Claire, Jackson, Cameron, and Harrison; her siblings William (Debbie) Kimmes, Jr, Mary Jo (Tom) Christensen, Cameron (Melisa) Kimmes, Paul Kimmes, Dean Kimmes, Kathy (David) Dunbar, Ted Kimmes, Tim (Jeannie) Kimmes, and Therese (Dean) Dull; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her sweet mother, Joanne Delores (Pearson), and her loving father, William Lloyd Kimmes, Sr.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street in Superior and continue until the 11:00 Funeral Mass with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as officiant.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.