Barbara J. Shoemaker

Barbara J. Shoemaker, age 83, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, surrounded by love.

Barb was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on December 24, 1942, to Lester and Mary Sexton Krueger. She grew up in Appleton and graduated high school in 1960. Although she traveled to many places, Appleton was always home.

She married Dick Mulvihill in 1962. Together they welcomed two children, Kelly and Steve. After moving to Madison, Barb worked at the University of Wisconsin, where she met Al Shoemaker. They married in 1969 and later settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where their daughter Kari was born in 1971. Barb and Al owned and operated Consumer Glass in St. Charles for many years.

Golf was Barb's true love. In her younger years, she played often at Bogey Hills Country Club where she was proud to tell you about her hole in one. The game brought her joy, friendships, and stories she loved to tell.

In 1995, Barb headed west to California, living with her brother, Jeff. She worked for The Good Guys, enjoyed concerts, and fully embraced the energy of San Francisco. Later, she moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where Kari and Dave were living. Her career there opened the door to extensive travel as she coordinated and supported corporate meetings across the country.

Eventually, Barb returned home to Appleton, where she shared more than 24 years with her sister Auds. Together they traveled, laughed, and tried their luck at the slot machines, creating memories full of humor and fun.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Kari Silcox and her husband Dave of Beverly Hills, Michigan, and Kelly Haenni and her husband Chris of Franklin, Tennessee; her son, Steve Shoemaker of St. Louis, Missouri; her grandchildren, Erin Haenni, Conor Haenni and his wife Tatum, Grace Silcox, Sam Silcox, and Jake Silcox; and her great grandson, CJ Falestin. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Mary Krueger; her brother, Jeff Krueger; her brother, Larry Krueger, and her husband, Al Shoemaker.

Per Barb's wishes, no services will be held. Her family invites those who knew her to remember her with a smile, a good story, a fish fry or maybe a round of golf.