Barbara Jean Antolak, 88, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2024, at Casa de Oakes, Reedsburg, Wisconsin. She was born on May 3, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Clarence and Mary Nelson.

Barb graduated from Edison High School, Minneapolis, in 1954 and began working at Northwestern Bell telephone company.

She married her husband, Gene, on May 14, 1955. After they were married, Barb moved with Gene to Oklahoma and on to Washington while he was in the Army. They loved the Pacific Northwest and at the end of Gene’s service commitment, they decided to make Tacoma, Washington their home.

Barb was a stay at home mom while Gene traveled for work.

In 1970, they moved their family to Westport, Washington. Gene became a commercial fisherman while Barb raised their four kids. She provided guidance, structure and above all, love. When her children were grown, she began working as a cashier in the local drug store. While working, she studied and became a pharmacist technician. She worked at the Twin Harbor Drug store for many years before retiring. It was the perfect job where she was loved by all the customers as well as her coworkers. Barb had a heart of gold and was a great listener. She loved helping others whenever she could. She made people feel cared about and was a kind soul.

Barb cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were her pride and joy. She loved to travel to see all her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids spread out across the country.

Above all, the most defining thing about Barb was her faith in God. She shared that love and faith with all. Barb will always be remembered for her loving heart and caring ways.

She is survived by her children, Greg Antolak, Mary (Denny) Thompson, Scott (Kelly) Antolak and Becky (Don) Stando, her grandchildren, Dana (Jeffrey) Black, Stephanie (Jonathan) Tucker, Jacob (Katie) Thompson, Nathan (Nicole) Thompson, Kyla (Peter) Bartelheimer, Rory Antolak, Joe (Carrie) Stando, Lucas (Bryanna) Stando, Cody (Darci) Stando, 21 great-grandchildren and her brothers Ron (Mary) Nelson and Jim (Kris) Nelson.

She was preceded in death by Frank E. Antolak Jr., ‘Geno’ (husband), Clarence and Mary Nelson (parents), Zachary Antolak (grandson) and Jerry Nelson (brother).

A private Funeral Mass will be held at a later date at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Reedsburg, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 624 N Willow St., Reedsburg, WI 53959 or St. Peters’ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 345 N Pine St., Reedsburg, WI 53959.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family with the arrangements.