Barbara Ann (nee Beyer) Kumbier, 86, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Parkinsons disease. She lived her 86 years to the fullest.
Barb was born in Appleton on June 4, 1936 and graduated from Appleton High School. On Sept. 7, 1957, she married the love of her life John, who preceded her in death. Together for 55 years, they cofounded Circle Incorporated in 1977, focusing their energy and skills on family, outreach, and service in order to make others’ lives a little bit better.
Barb was a resident of Burlington for 49 years and wintered in Naples, Florida for 25 years. She was an active member of Cross Lutheran Church, serving on numerous committees, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir, and was a devout member of the Tuesday Gospel Gatherings Women’s Circle. She was an associate member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida. She held memberships with the Lioness Club, Eastern Star, Danish Sisterhood, Burlington Garden Club, Burlington High School Band Boosters, Vintage Chicks, and so much more!
As a master gardener, Barb loved to create beautiful gardens and she willingly shared her wisdom with many. She and John traveled throughout the United States and Europe with friends and family but always loved Wisconsin best. Music held a major role in Barb’s life from playing the piano, performing in various church and civic vocal ensembles, bell choirs and barbershop groups. She was an avid reader and instilled a love of books, gaining new knowledge, and reading in her children. Barb’s grandchildren brought her great joy and she was passionate about spending time with each of them.
One of many lasting legacies of Barb is her devotion to being a student of God’s Word; reading scripture multiple times a day, holding daily study devotional sessions around her kitchen table, and participating in studies via Zoom until her last days of life. Barb strived daily to let her light shine.
Barb is survived by her son Timothy (Margaret) Kumbier; daughters, Beth (Robert) Barkhau, and Amy (Nicholas) Findlay; grandchildren, Zachary (Kaila) Kumbier, Michael Kumbier, Philip Barkhau, Evan (Kirsten Thomas) Barkhau, Mia Findlay and Ryley Findlay; great grandson Tripp Kumbier; sister Ruth Bergman; sister-in-law Janet Nicolai; numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her spouse John, her parents Alfred and Ione Beyer, and her brother Roger Beyer.
The family acknowledges their thanksgiving for Barb’s special friend and assistant Patti Rozeski and all the caregivers associated with Holding Hands Homecare, along with Aurora Hospice who provided kind, compassionate care.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held Dec. 3, 2022 at Cross Lutheran in Burlington. Visitation will be from from 9 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be given in Barb’s name to the Barbara Ann Kumbier Endowed Scholarship at Carthage College, Advancement Office, Kenosha or to Cross Lutheran Church in Burlington.
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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