Barbara A. Reif

Barbara A. Reif, age 88, passed away on Friday March 14, 2025, in Gillett. Barbara was born in Neenah on July 9, 1936, and was the only child of Lawrence and Dolores (Reddin) Fensky. After exiting high school, she worked as a waitress and a bank teller. On August 31, 1957, she was united in marriage to George F. Reif in Neenah. Following her marriage, she was a devoted stay-at-home mother who frequently volunteered as a lunch aide at the Horace Mann School in Neenah. Barabara was notably known throughout Shawano for being one of the original owners of the Kid's Corner Pizza and operating their family dairy goat with her husband. One of her proudest career paths was when she finished her schooling for her CNA license and worked at Birch Hill Nursing Home and further branched to in-home care. Barbara devoted her life to caring for others until her late retirement. The couple spent a wonderful 65 years together before George's passing in 2022. Her hobbies included baking, traveling, being outside and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved listening to all types of music and dancing in her younger years. Barbara spent many hours tending to her garden, growing vegetables, fruit trees, and lush flower beds across their property. She made so many wonderful memories and had many stories to share. Some of her favorites were watching numerous races (including the Indy 500) and visiting in the pits with her father and son. Barbara was a caring, compassionate, hardworking, and optimistic woman who could always see the bright side of every situation. Barbara was always full of life and lived life to the fullest as a mother, grandmother and friend. She will be deeply missed.
Barbara is survived by her children, Scott (Lana Prusik) Reif, Sam (Julia) Reif, Victoria (Chris) Pietz and Misty (James) Jones; 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.
Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, George and parents, Lawrence and Dolores.
A memorial visitation for George and Barbara will be held at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday March 21, 2025, at Swedberg Funeral Home. Inurnment will be conducted at Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Unity Hospice and Serenity Gardens for their continued care for Barbara.