Barbara H. Vodacek

Barbara H. Vodacek, age 93, passed away on January 19, 2026, at Milestone Assisted Living in Eau Claire, WI.

Barb was born on January 26, 1932, in Columbus, OH to James and Ethyl Kupfer. She spent her youth in Chicago, moving with her family to Eau Claire in 1947. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High in 1949. Shortly thereafter she married Willard “Bill” Larson and later divorced. Together they raised their four children, Christine, James, John and Daniel.

Barbara held several secretarial positions prior to being hired as a clerk/steno by the Postal Service in 1968, where she eventually held the position of supervisor, employment and services. She moved to her home on the shores of Chain Lake and in 1980 was appointed postmaster Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin.

On Valentine's Day 1982 Barbara married John Vodacek melding their families of eight grown children. Barbara joined John in retirement in 1992. They traveled extensively visiting all continental states, Canada, Mexico and the U.K. For 10 years they lived in Las Cruces, NM and Sun City, AZ before returning to Wisconsin to be near their families settling in Chippewa Falls. In later years, the couple enjoyed bus touring to many areas of the United States. Not long after John's death Barbara moved to Eastridge Estates in Altoona where she met and enjoyed many new friends and activities.

Barb is survived by her daughter: Christine Bravo of Phoenix, AZ; sons: James (Jane) Larson of Madison and Daniel (Karen Liedl) Larson of Eau Claire; step-daughter: Kathie Roy of Eau Claire; step-sons: John (Deanna) Vodacek, Tom Vodacek and Tony (Ann) Vodacek of Rochester, NY; niece: Sunny Malatesta of Sunnyvale, CA; numerous grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: John Vodacek in 2012; son: John Larson in 1989; grandson: Josh Stoffel in 2015; parents: Jim and Ethyl Kupfer; and sister: Dorothy (Bob) Stetta.

As John did before her, Barb donated her body to University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine. Private family service will be held at a later date. Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bloomer is assisting the family with arrangements.