Barbara Werner

Barbara Brauer Werner, 84, of Naples, Florida died on March 14. The staff at Touchmark in Appleton, Wis. ensured her final months were safe and peaceful. She passed away with gratitude for a full life – one that was filled with love, family, friends, sporting events, books, and faith.

Barbara was born August 31, 1941, to Jane and John Brauer in Wisconsin Rapids. She and her younger sister Betsy enjoyed summers on the Chain O'Lakes in Waupaca and winters in Fort Lauderdale. Barbara graduated as salutatorian from Lincoln High School in 1959.

She continued her studious path as an English major at Northwestern University, where she developed lifelong friends from Pi Beta Phi sorority and became a fervent Wildcats fan. The summer after her freshman year, she met Graham Werner, whose family also had a cottage on the Chain. In 1963, Barbara graduated from Northwestern, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Later that year, on Dec 28, 1963, she and Graham married in Wisconsin Rapids. They moved to Appleton, where they began cultivating a vast social circle that would endure for more than 60 years. Barbara got her first job as an English teacher at Appleton High School and in 1965 they welcomed their first son, Jeff. The next few years were a blur: a move to Menominee, Michigan for Graham's job, the births of Greg and David - only 11 months apart! – and a move back to Appleton. They welcomed their fourth child, Ann, in 1971. Barbara was thrilled to add a daughter to the locker room atmosphere, as she often said, "She talks, shops, and studies!"

From Gillett Street to Reid Drive, Highlands Elementary to Xavier High School, and St. Pius to St. Bernard, Barbara immersed herself in family life and her community. She juggled multiple volunteer roles; loved hosting parties, including some legendary 4th of July bashes; and meticulously kept track of birthdays, always on time with a card, a phone call, or her favorite – a ladies luncheon.

Barbara returned to the workforce in the early 1980's at the Appleton Public Library. She also spent years running her own communications business, writing newsletters and annual reports for local companies. Barbara proofread her children's writing assignments with a sharp eye for punctuation and vocabulary. "Narthex" and "quagmire" were two of her favorite words. She was particularly proud to be a member of Wednesday Club, an Appleton book group founded in 1881. She spent more than 50 years following the Wednesday Club annual reading list and writing papers on assigned books.

Barbara's happy place was on the golf course, where she deepened many friendships over 18 holes – and on the 19th hole. Only David chose to follow in his mom's footsteps and tackle this exacting sport. Snow skiing was a different story – the whole family loved it! Barbara organized countless family ski trips to Upper Michigan and Colorado. Her dream day at Snowmass included lunch at High Alpine restaurant, followed by a family run on the always-groomed Coffee Pot.

Barbara's life story wouldn't be complete without acknowledging her deep and abiding love for the Green Bay Packers. She devoted countless hours and emotional energy cheering for the Green and Gold and analyzing their off-season moves. Her super fandom extended to the Badgers, Wildcats and Fighting Irish. She and Graham attended multiple Super Bowls and Rose Bowls, a Final Four, the 1996 Summer Olympics, the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Master's, Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, and the list goes on.

They spent their retirement years in Naples, where they kept up a robust social life, played even more golf, and enjoyed visits from their children and 12 grandchildren. Barbara was especially thankful to experience the first wedding among her grandkids. Greg's son Jacob married Justine in Waupaca six months before Barbara passed away. Although she was declining physically, she smiled broadly that day -- it was obvious her heart was full for a life well lived.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 years, Graham; children Jeff (Beth) Werner, Greg (Sara) Werner, David (Anne-Marie) Werner, and Ann (Carl) Kreiter. Grandchildren Matt, Megan, Jacob (Justine), Hannah, Elizabeth, Graham, Henry, Meredith and Andrew Werner, and Phyllis, Maxine and Evelyn Kreiter. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Beth Bax, brother-in-law Jennings (Glen) Werner, and many wonderful nephews, nieces, and their children.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27 at 11:00am at St. Bernard Catholic Parish, 1617 W. Pine St, Appleton. Private family burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Appleton.

If you wish to make a donation in Barbara's memory, please consider a donation to Friends Of Appleton Public Library. Online at friendsofapl.org (click Ways To Give/ Make A Gift/ One Time Donation) or a check to Friends of Appleton Public Library, 200 N. Appleton Street, Appleton, WI 54911.