Barbara Ann Leimer

Barbara Ann (Birling) Leimer, age 83, passed away suddenly on August 16, 2024, at her home. Barbara was born on May 14th, 1941, to George and Eva (Dietz) Birling. 

Barbara graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Menasha in 1959. She went on to work as a bookkeeper at American Can Corporation for several years. On September 28, 1963, she married Jay Leimer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Menasha. Together, they shared 4 children, and then 2 grandchildren. They spent 60 years together until his death this past February 4, 2024. 

Barbara spent 30 years at a job she truly loved! Not only did she love working at Kohl’s, but she loved the people she worked with. She started with the day shift, but quickly found her niche stocking shelves during the night. This allowed her to have more family time. However, Barbara’s favorite job was being a Mom. Her 4 children meant the world to her, and they kept her busy. She was involved in all of their lives in any way that she could be. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, taxi mom and spectator at all sports, choir, band, swimming lessons, roller skating, paper route helper and the list goes on and on. To say that she was the best Mom any child could have would be an understatement.

Ultimately, being a Gramma is where she found her true calling! She loved her “2 guys” more than she could put into words. From babysitting them, to bowling, to being at all of their events, she could never get enough. Daily phone calls for the littlest things would brighten her day. Her world revolved around them and they cherished her. Zach will definitely miss calling her about the Brewer games. She loved their hugs every time she saw them, which was often! 

Somehow, she still found time for herself: sewing, crocheting, knitting, Christmas decorating, making refrigerator magnets, baking cookies and candy especially at Christmas, canning pickles, roller skating, bowling, trips to Las Vegas, Brewer games, Packer board numbers, singing in the church choir, playing Bingo, going to lunch and gambling with her sister and most recently the bus trips to the casino with Dar. Sleeping very little, but loving life to the fullest! 

Barbara is survived by her children Cynthia (Lawrence) Gaschler, Bonnie (Heath) Tomlin, Michael Leimer, Jaclyn Anthony, and her precious grandsons Joshua and Zachary Gaschler. Barbara is further survived by her brother Dan (Debbie) Birling, sisters-in-law Sandra Birling, Laura (Milt Melander) Leimer and Grace (Josef) Weiss, as well as many nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Jay, her parents, her in-laws Harold (Thelma) Leimer, her sister and brother-in-law Helen (Bud) Werner, her brothers and sisters-law, Robert (Evelyn) Birling, Donny (Myrtle) Birling, Jerry (Marge) Birling and Len Birling, and sister-in-law June (Peter) Clausen.

A visitation for Barbara will take place on September 13, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 West Marquette St. in Appleton, from 9:30 am until the funeral mass at 11:30 am with Fr. James Jugenheimer officiating.

Mom, you will be missed by so many people, most of all your family! Every time we see a cardinal, we will think of you. Love you!

Huggs!