Doris M. Barber, age 92 of Arkansaw, died Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Plum City Care Center in Plum City with her family by her side.

Doris was born on August 30, 1923 in Arkansaw. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Drier) Auth. Doris grew up in the Arkansaw area and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1941. She married Paul B. Barber on November 21, 1942 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. After marriage they lived on the Barber family farm in the Town of Frankfort where they raised their family. Doris was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, holding several offices in the Altar Society, teaching CCD, President of the Deanery and sang in the choir. She was a member of the Pepin County Homemakers Association for years. Doris and Paul sold the farm in 1979 to their Daughter and Son-in-law but continued to live on the farm until her health declined.

Doris and Paul enjoyed traveling, taking trips out West, to New York and Italy. She liked bowling, crocheting, crafts and reading. Most of all, Doris loved to spend time with family and friends.

Doris is survived by her eight children; Paul (Anne) of Freehold, NJ, James (Greta) of Sun Prairie, Madalyn (Bob) Fleishauer of Arkansaw, William (Bonnie) of Ottertail, MN, Maralyn (LaVere) Anderson of Arkansaw, George (Paola) of Bascape, Italy, Dan (Luann) of Arkansaw and Margie (Randy) Sperber of Onalaska, 28 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, one brother-in-law; Lynn Barber of Pepin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Paul, twin infant sons, four sisters; Edith Legvold, Evelyn Stone, Lorraine Paulsen and Rose Rude and one brother; Elwyn Auth.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw with Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. michael lyons December 23, 2015, at 11:55am

   I am sorry she has left us. She really was a second mother to me as a child and teen. She will be missed

2. Tammy Jo Biles December 15, 2015, at 5:26pm

   Thought & prayers

3. Cynthia Barber December 15, 2015, at 3:52pm

   Dear Cousins,

   I forgot to write this in my card.
   Because you said Aunt Doris liked to read, I made a $20 donation in her memory to
   Literacy Volunteers Chippewa Valley.

   love to all, Cynee

4. Royal Bignell December 14, 2015, at 3:03pm

   You are in our thoughts and prayers

5. Char (Bignell) Larrabee December 14, 2015, at 12:13pm

   She was always a great neighbor and friend. She will be missed by many.

6. Thom Rutherford December 13, 2015, at 5:47pm

   Madalyn, Bob, and family: Mom Was a great Lady and friend to many!!! We were neighbors and friends for years.
   You have our deepest sympathy and know and understand God has a special place for her!!! Thom Rutherford and Family

7. Judy john parr December 13, 2015, at 6:28am

   You all take thinking of u all

8. Marv and Carol December 12, 2015, at 2:38pm

   We pray for peace in this difficult time. What joy to have had the blessings of such a special mom! God be with you. We care and love you! Much sympathy to each of you!

9. Don Wittmann December 11, 2015, at 2:32pm

   An absolutely wonderful aunt and person, in either order. It is a pity that the only time we seem to realize the impact a person has on our own life occurs during their passing, but both Aunt Doris and Uncle Paul contributed to my life, and my memories, more than they could ever know. Whenever I return to that part of Wisconsin I think of a much simpler time when family and relationships really mattered. My condolences to all of my wonderful cousins; Aunt Doris will be missed!

10. Dorothy Stenberg December 11, 2015, at 1:25pm

    So sorry to hear of Doris' death. My how the memories of childhood visits to your home come flooding back - memories of such fun times at your farm. May you be comforted at this time by the knowledge of God's love for your mom and by the love you all have for each other. Cousin Dorothy

11. Mary A Schwartz December 11, 2015, at 11:31am

    So sorry for your loss she was a great lady she will be home in Heaven for Christmas

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