In the early morning of November 10, 2025, Barbara Lou Heineck Witt peacefully passed from this world with the belief that she would be reunited with her husband of 55 years, Peter, and other family and friends who had gone before her.
Barb was born in Sparta, WI, to Leonard and Ellen (nee Jones) Heineck on August 17, 1943, the youngest of 4 siblings. The family lived in the apartment above their Heineck Café on Water Street, where they all worked and made the best shakes! She graduated from Sparta High School in 1961 and went on to take classes in interior design in both Wisconsin and California, where she found her love for Mustang convertibles and maybe or maybe not got a ticket or two…
Barb and Pete were introduced by her brother. They officially married in Caledonia, MN, on January 12, 1966, with a church service on January 21 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. The couple raised their sons Peter Jr. and Andrew while moving around SE Wisconsin. Barb enjoyed her time working at Biever’s Appliance in Port Washington doing commercial and residential design. It is also where they met lifelong friends and co-worker Georgie and Peter Hansen and others. In later years Barb and Pete returned to Sparta and then lived in semi-retirement in Florida until health reasons brought them back to SE Wisconsin.
Their home was often the center of gatherings, with Barb doing the planning while Pete handled the grilling and joke telling, much to her chagrin! If it was Christmas, everyone in attendance was sure to get a gift from her. After all, Barb could never resist any reason to go shopping. Pete was also key in executing her many plans to change the décor of whatever house they lived in – and design and change they did! Card clubs, family golf games, and family stories were the order of the day. In later years, cribbage games were special along with retelling family stories – always with a twinkle in her eye! Barb and Pete loved to travel. They could be found with family bouncing across Wisconsin from Madison to Sparta, Wisconsin Rapids or Bayfield and her beloved Apostle Islands, often visiting with Jones’ side of the family.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Stephen (Sheila) Heineck, David Heineck, and Kathryn Scafe; brother-in-law James Witt; sisters-in-law Elaine and MaryAnn Witt; grandson Samuel; and niece Allison Theriault. Her memory lives on in son Peter Jr. (Michelle); grandsons Joshua and Simon; son Andrew (Cindy); grandchildren Zachary (Aspen), Grace, and Eden; great-grandchildren Athena, Maverick, and Jackson; brothers/sisters-in-law Creg Scafe, Myra Heineck, Don & Jeanette Witt, and Jan Witt; nieces and nephews; cousins; and many friends.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caregivers who have made a difference, including Dr. Vanessa Chang, Timber Oaks Assisted Living, Oak Ridge Care Center, and St. Croix Hospice.
Per Barb’s wishes, no services will be held. Private burial will be at a future date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta. Donations in Barb’s memory can be made to The Oley Foundation in Albany, NY, which was central to helping Barb through her medical journeys.
Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory
908 – 11th Ave.
Union Grove, WI 53182
262-878-2011
