Loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Barbara Garner of West Bend, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by her loving family. With immeasurable courage and faith, she heroically fought a 4 ½ year battle with cancer.
Barb was born on September 28, 1947, to the late Ben and Ernie Fox. Sister of Dick (Sue) Fox, Tom (Karen) Fox, Deb (Steve) Schingen, and preceded in death by her infant sister, Sharon Fox. At age 19, she married her best friend and love of her life of 57 years, Ron Garner, on April 8, 1967. Together they raised 4 wonderful children, Father Dominic Mary (Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word), Joanne (Mike) Boeselager, John Garner and Christine (Evan) Nondorf. Barb was undeniably selfless, faithful, and happiest when surrounded by her family. Her greatest joy and light in life was taking care of and spending time with her 5 grandchildren Amy, Alex, Ally, Everly, and Grace. They could always count on seeing Grandma at every sporting and school event, musicals, performances, and Church every Sunday. They always felt her unconditional love and knew their grandma was their biggest supporter, cheerleader, and friend.
Barb’s kind, patient, compassionate, and generous heart and unwavering faith were evident in everything she did. She generously donated her time to numerous charitable causes throughout her life and faithfully lived her Catholic Faith.
She and Ron loved to travel and cherished many wonderful memories of camping across the US, assisting Religious Sisters in France, hiking the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage in Spain, and exploring the beautiful cathedrals of Italy. Surrounded by all her children and grandchildren during Fr. Dominic’s annual “home-visit,” and camping with grandchildren were always the highlight of every summer. She loved to garden, bake, and simply be in the presence of loved ones. Grandma’s waffles, mac and cheese, and chocolate zucchini cake were often requested, as well as her homemade lasagna and strawberry pie.
Barb was loved beyond words and will be missed dearly. She will remain in our hearts forever. We want to thank the many doctors and nurses at Froedtert Hospitals and Horizon Hospice Care for their compassion and care, patience, and kindness to our family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, 406 Jefferson St, West Bend WI on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation for family and friends will be at the Church, on Monday from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM. Barb was a woman of strong faith so please join us to pray the Rosary beginning at 10:30 AM. A private burial will follow in Salem, IL. In memory of Barb and in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to “EWTN’s Pro-Life Weekly.”
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
