Barbara Ann Wineke

Ridgeway – Barbara Ann “Barb” Wineke, age 65, of Ridgeway, gained her wings on Saturday, May 25, 2024 after a nearly 3-year battle with cancer. Barbara entered this world May 13, 1959 daughter to Robert and Mary (Bebow) Behrens. Growing up in Madison, Barb attended James Madison Memorial High, graduating in 1977. She found lifelong friends in Laurel Zeier, and Mary Jo Wilkinson. Their friendships carried on through the ever-changing seasons. Life carried Barb to Verona where she met James Wineke. After getting to know one another and falling in love, Jim gave Barb his last name on June 9, 1984. The quiet village of Ridgeway would become home for Barb and her growing family. Barb loved her home, and always kept it welcoming with beautifully landscaped gardens including a wishing well Jim had built for her. Barb worked for Lands’ End in Dodgeville for over thirty years making many friends along the way. When it came to mothers, Barb was one of the best. She was meant for motherhood, and would do anything for her boys. There was never a dull moment when Barb and her boys were together. It was either tricks, jokes, or adventures. She loved traveling to different states with her oldest son Adam. She enjoyed hours long phone calls with Alex, and her weekly visits to Erik's home. Barb was a mother that would dedicate days to solving a problem you had, devoted to finding the answers. She would be your biggest advocate with words of support or comfort to carry you through hard times. Her love radiated everywhere she went. Barbara was an only child but never missed out on having a sisterly bond, growing up with her cousin Katie May; visiting family in Fond Du Lac. Following the courtship and marriage of son Erik to Jenny Blask, Barb met Janice Blask and the two instantly became sisters, bickering about football, teasing one another about their favorite teams, and sending daily photos of their gardens and birds. The two spent many family nights laughing over everyone else in the room. Later in life Barb was promoted to grandmother, a role she has been ‘patiently’ waiting for as her sons grew up. Jack, Violet, and Julian became another reason for Barb to smile. Her grandchildren gave her purpose and renewed reasons to fight each day when the cancer returned. Barb was a soul too beautiful for this world. She was loving, kind, and a story in herself that meant so much more than basic facts. She was the light in a room. Her laugh made you laugh. The die-hard packer fan screaming at the television. The one crying while watching Its A Wonderful Life at Christmas time. Barb loved watching the snow fall and often photographed it. To be loved by Barb, was to be loved deeply. When she loved it was with everything that she had. A trait she passed down to her three sons Adam, Erik, and Alex. There was always laughter filling the room when Barb was around. A laugh so big and contagious, you would find yourself laughing along. She lived for the simple moments. The moments most would let pass by without a second thought. Barb cherished sitting outside watching birds fly, butterflies skipping across pedals in her gardens, and all the wildlife she had observed. Barb once said that she needed to eat a bowl of ice cream every night. (mint chocolate chip) just in case she woke up allergic in the morning. If you could take anything from Barb, it would be to sit and watch the world around you, enjoy the colors of the sunset, the birds singing at dusk, but above all, ALWAYS hug and cherish your family! Barb is survived by her three sons, Adam of Ridgeway, Erik (Jenny) of Dodgeville and Alex of Spring Green, three beautiful grandchildren Jack, Violet, and Julian and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Barb was preceded in death by her husband Jim, and parents Bob and Mary. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Burial will be held in Verona Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday and from 10:00 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. The family wishes to extend a warm “Thank You” to the staff at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. You treated Barb and all of us with respect, dignity, and compassion. We are forever grateful. We love you more than you could have ever imagined. We will miss you, Barbara Ann.

Barbara Ann Wineke

May 13, 1959 - May 25, 2024