Viola Barr, (nee Knickelbein), age 88, of West Bend, was called home on Tuesday, December 20, 2005, surrounded by her family at the home of her son, Ben.
She was born on January 4, 1917, in Cedarburg to the late August and Bertha (nee Koepsell) Knickelbein. She was united in marriage to Ben Barr in West Bend, on December 10, 1936. Ben preceded her in death on January 13, 1996. Viola loved gardening and had a passion for growing flowers. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, Ben (Caroline) Barr, Jr. of West Bend; five grandchildren, Fred Kreis, Teri Baumgartner, Tina (Dave) Zipter, Brenda (Randy) Simon, and Gail Barr (fiancAC. Jamie Reseburg); a grandson-in-law, Kenneth Lee of Texas; 10 great-grandchildren, Freddie and Michael Kreis, Brock Baumgartner, Jennifer Kreis, Jessica and Cody Simon, Sidney Reseburg, Kenneth Jr., Becky, and Brian Lee of Texas; two great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Debra Lee; two great-grandchildren, Amber and Kent Baumgartner; two sisters, Gertrude and Norma Knickelbein; and three brothers, Raymond, Harold, and Clarence Knickelbein.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 22nd at 7:00 pm at Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. Chaplain Cheryl Matusiak will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday at the funeral home from 4:00 pm until the time of service. Burial will be in Washington County Memorial Park on Friday at 10:00 am.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Viola's grandchildren would like to thank their mom and dad for taking such good care of their grandmother and for opening their home to her. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Caroline and Jessica for their constant tender loving care, and to a dear friend Nancy Gillitzer for always being able to lend a helping hand. A final thank you to the staff of Hartland Hospice for the quality care and compassion that they showed Viola and her family over the past few weeks.