Barbara Ann Mueller, a passionate force of nature whose likeness and energy is emblazoned in her beloved children and granddaughters, died March 28 at Marshfield Clinic Hospital in Wisconsin surrounded by her family. She was 66.
Born to Marlowe and Margaret Moehnke on April 10, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minn., she moved to Eyota after her father graduated from Dunwoody College.
Barbara graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 1976, marrying her high school sweetheart Greg in 1977. The two have been inseparable since. Barbara graduated from St. Paul Barber College and started her first career as a master barber in Rochester. In that period, she and Greg welcomed their two children, Andrew and Jennifer, the lights of their lives.
In 1986, the family moved to Houston, Texas, when Greg was transferred with IBM, a computer technology company. Barbara returned to school to pursue her true passion of nursing, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
She was a born caregiver. Over the years, she has worked as a diabetes educator at St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston, a nurse manager at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, and at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wis. Her most treasured position was her last one, as a nurse educator at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Time with her students brought her among the greatest joys, and she was deeply invested in their successes, recounting them passionately to family and friends.
Barbara was known for her fierce spirit, kindness, generosity, and creativity. She loved colorful scarves and an ever-present glass of iced tea (with extra ice, if you please.) She was wildly competitive, always ready to win at board games during family gatherings. She was also exceptionally artistic and took pride in her jewelry making, cooking, and couture sewing.
After Greg bought a Harley Davidson, she was thrilled at going on motorcycle trips across the country with her love. She also enjoyed antiquing and interior decorating and spending time with her “girls” at their monthly breakfast date at what they lovingly nicknamed the “wrinkle room.”
But what brought her the greatest joy was being a grandmother. She cherished her granddaughters, Coco and Halina, spending time with them baking, throwing tea parties, and spoiling them with treats.
They were Grammy’s girls. And the adoration was mutual.
She is missed more than words can say, but the family is grateful that she is no longer in pain.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Greg; children Andrew and wife Tracy; Jennifer and husband Scott; grandchildren Halina and Cordelia; sisters Nancy Hammel (Tony) and Carla Brunsvold (Scott); sister-in-law Nancy Hansen (Dave); and brothers-in-law Dan Mueller and John Mueller. She is preceded in death by her parents Margaret Moehnke and Marlowe Moehnke.
The family is incredibly grateful to the medical team at the Mayo Clinic and the Marshfield Clinic Hospital ICU and palliative care for their exceptional care and support.
Services for Barbara will be held at Rembs Celebration Center, 250 S. Oak Ave, Marshfield, Wis., on Friday, April 25 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the National Kidney Foundation at https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/barbaramueller
Condolences may be sent online at www.remsbfh.com
Author: News Desk
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