Barbara J. Johnson

Barbara "Barb, Barbie" J. Johnson (Kirchner), aged 61, of Manawa, passed away Thursday September 5th, 2024, at Froedtert Hospital Milwaukee.

Barb was the 7th child born to Wayne and Lois Kirchner in Appleton, WI on October 29th, 1962.

Barb took pleasure in Working at the Manawa Community Living Center cooking and baking for all the residents. Barb always took the time to find those special things that would brighten up their day. Whether it was finding the right sugar free drinks to serve during family nights or going to Glendale Farms to pick fresh strawberries for a single resident who requested them, and all the little things in-between to show she cared.

Barb also worked for many years at the Green Fountain Inn in Waupaca, WI. She again took great pleasure in serving the community by waitressing and baking the most delicious cheesecakes and other desserts for all to enjoy. She would enter cooking events and would win contests on occasion for her desserts.

Barb's love for the beauty of nature was expressed through her flower gardens. She was able to create her own little oasis that she took so much pride in. Every spring she looked forward to heading to the green houses to hunt for the perfect flowers to plant. She always tried to pass her knowledge on to her children and grandchildren for both gardening and kitchen skills.

When she wasn't gardening or working, she liked to attend the music shows that her significant other, Michael, band would play. Barb would attend her grandchildren's concerts and sporting events to support them. She loved spending time with her family whenever she could, whether it was singing and dancing to music during cookouts or just sitting and playing a game of cards and laughing until her side ached and tears ran down her face.

Barb was only one call away from her kids. No matter how exhausted she may have been, she would always move mountains for her children. Her goal was to have her generous and understanding heart live on through them.

Barb is preceded in death by her mother, Lois Kirchner and father, Wayne Kirchner; brother-in-law, Michael Lancelle; previous mother-in-law, Gwendoline Cady, and Joel Wincentsen.

Barb is survived by her significant other, Michael Doud; children: Nicholas Diem (Sarah Clifton), Gloria Lorge, Tara (Sean) Blum, Kenneth Johnson; siblings: Robert (Robin) Kirchner, Larry Kirchner, Randy (Liz) Kirchner, JoAnne (Stuart) Oliver, Paula (Ron) Rueden, Annette Lancelle, Patty (Joe) Farrell, Kim (Kevin) Van Straten, Lori (Brandan) Fredrick, and MaryJo Kirchner (Jeff Cross); grandchildren: Shane & Baileigh Blum, Brandi Blum, Noah Lorge, Alekzander & Seth Diem, Samantha & Savannah Clifton. Barbara is survived by 25 nieces and nephews and their children who she loved dearly; and her ex-husband Ken Johnson and his family who she kept close to her heart, always.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 28th, 2024, at Marion Lions Point Pavilions from 11am - 11pm. Live music will be played at intervals throughout the day. Any and all who want to celebrate Barbara's life are welcome.

We like to extend our special thanks to all the emergency responders and staff at both Thedacare Appleton Medical Center and in the Cardiovascular ICU at Froedtert Hospital Milwaukee. Especially Mara, the RN who took such tender care of Barbara in her final hours.

A Kindness Poem

ah, kindness.

what a simple way

to tell another

struggling soul

that there is love

to be found

in the world

- alison malee