Barbara Ruth (Heyer) Felker, age 91, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022 at Touch of Home Assisted Living in Hospice Care.
Barbara was born in Tomah on April 23, 1931 to George M. and Minnie E. (Meyer) Heyer. She was baptized on July 11, 1931 and confirmed on April 14, 1946 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah and was a faithful dedicated lifetime member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. Barbara served for many years on the Altar Guild, Rachel Mission Circle and assisted with other church functions as needed.
Barbara graduated with scholastic honors from Tomah High School, Class of 1949.
Barbara was united in marriage to the love of her life, Kenneth Felker on June 2, 1956 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. They lived their entire married life in Tomah. Her 54 plus years of marriage were filled with faith, love, pride, and happiness.
Barbara will always be remembered as a devoted, honest, loving, caring wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and special friend.
Her 41 years of employment at Tomah Memorial Hospital Inc, began August 1, 1953, working in the administrative offices. In 1975, she was appointed Assistant Administrator by the Hospital Board of Directors. She retired in 1994. During her career at the hospital, she was involved in numerous building and expansion projects to better serve the medical and surgical needs of the Tomah community and surrounding areas.
Barbara was a lifetime member of the Tomah Memorial Auxiliary. She was very instrumental in the original planning and opening of the Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop. She was a longtime volunteer at both the Hospital Auxiliary’s ABC Store and Gift Shop.
Barbara was an active member of the Oak Grove Cemetery Association for many years and later was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Oak Grove Cemetery Foundation.
She was an active member of the original Helping Hand Society of Tomah helping many people in need. She also served on many other community committees.
In 1987, Barbara was recognized, honored, and presented the “Woman of the Year” award by the Tomah Chapter of the Business and Professional Women/USA. She was awarded the recognition for her interest and exceptional qualities of leadership, integrity, and distinguished achievements for the betterment of her community.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie (Brian) Anderson of Tomah. A niece, Christine (Heyer) Calhoon, a sister-in-law Kathleen “Katie” Felker, brother-in-law Jerry Felker, and other relatives. She will be dearly missed by family, close friends and a special friend of 89 years, Doris Johnson.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth in 2010. Her grandmother - Amelia Myer, her parents - George M. and Minnie E. Heyer, brothers - George M. (Enid) Heyer and Charles (Mary) Heyer, - nephew, James D. Heyer, father-in-law and mother-in-law – Glenn and Eva Felker, brothers-in-law and siters-in-law – Foster Felker, who was killed in WWII, Ellen (Felix) Prueitt, Harlan (Lola) Felker, Betty (Don) Lumsden, Edward Felker, William “Bill” (Jeanie) Felker, Elaine Felker, and other relatives.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 2:00 PM at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. Pastor Korey Van Kampen and Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Wednesday at the church from 12:00 Noon until the time of the service. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Memorials can be given to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in her memory.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
