Barbara Weyenberg

Barbara "Babs" Weyenberg (formerly Wodjenski), age 85, of Kaukauna, passed away at Copperstone Assisted Living on Friday, August 30, 2024 after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of James "Jim" Weyenberg and they had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Babs lived in Kaukauna almost her entire life: attending Holy Cross Grade School, then Kaukauna High School. She and Jim were married at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Before starting a family, she worked as a beautician in Kaukauna. She took a hiatus from working while raising kids, but years later, Babs was so happy to return as a "shampoo girl" to a salon in Kaukauna, then in Little Chute. She was ideal for that job: loving the customers and always chatting away. Babs would be forever worried about her own hair do, and even named her coiffe "her Betty."
Babs was preceded in death by her parents, John and Julia Wodjenski; and her siblings, Robert "Bob" and Marion "Mitt" Vandenberg.
Babs is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters: Amy (Jim) Pitz, Dr. Karen (Curt) Beutler, and Sarah (Joe) Buchberger; and five grandchildren: Morgan Pitz, Hannah (Nick) Schumacher, Jalen (Braxtin) Buchberger, Tatem (Carter) Belling, and Savannah (Josh) West. She was also blessed with three great grandchildren and got to meet the newest arrival just before becoming ill. Another great grandchild is due in March. This will be the first girl. She has many beloved nieces and nephews who have supported her greatly, especially in prayer during these last difficult days.
Babs' greatest love was her family. First her husband, Jim, then their three girls. Adding three boys when each of the girls married was like hitting the jackpot. Now she had boys too! She didn't know it would get any sweeter but five grandchildren would follow – including three at once, when her youngest daughter had triplets. Planning the next family gathering was always on her mind and she was known to be thinking about which egg casserole to bring to the next vacation a year in advance – Babs was that excited to be with her family.
While the kids still lived at home, Babs and Jim would take a summer car trip. Again, seeing family was a top priority. Trips to Colorado and even Seattle ensued. "Fond" memories include one of the girls sticking gum in Karen's hair while driving in an un-airconditioned car toward Wall Drug. This may have been the same trip youngest Sarah slept up in the back seat window – years before seat belt laws! Family trips more recently were to Wave Pointe in Door County. This destination became special thanks to Amy's passion for water and sharing that passion with the entire family.
For the last three years, Babs and Jim lived at Canal Place in Kaukauna. They adapted and kept social by attending Tuesday Coffee Klatch and First Friday Communion. Again, they made new and dear friends. Babs and Jim also enjoyed the McDonalds gang. Sometimes Babs wanted to get home to be sure she could "watch her stories." If she missed, there was probably a Golden Girls rerun she could find.
Visitation will be held September 10, 2024 at HOLY CROSS PARISH (309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna) beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 Noon. The Rev. Luke Ferris will officiate and Deacon David Van Eperen will assist.
The entire family would like to thank everyone who offered unwavering support during Babs' illness.
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