Barbara Ann Barthels

Barbara A. Barthels, 87, of Wausau passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

She was born July 31, 1938, in Wausau, daughter of the late Ervin “Pete” and Grace (Hopperdietzel) Smith. She married Perry Barthels, her husband of 56 years, on April 24, 1965 in a private ceremony at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau.

After graduating from Wausau High in 1956, Barbara moved to Milwaukee to begin her career. Upon returning to Wausau, she worked for Wausau Insurance. After being a homemaker for many years, she returned to work for the Wausau School District. She was a teacher’s aide at Longfellow School and Hawthorne Hills Elementary School, retiring in 2000.

Barbara loved spending time with her family and friends and played a foundational role in the upbringing of her five grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking for family gatherings, Friday night outings with her sister Joan, and a manhattan at five o’clock.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry Barthels, brothers-in-law, Jack Barthels and Roger Pospychala.

Survivors include her children: Rick (Jennifer) Barthels, Wausau, David Barthels, Wausau, and Joni (John) Young, Wisconsin Dells; five grandchildren: Nate, Luke, Elizabeth, Jack, and Sam; one sister: Joan Pospychala; and her nieces and nephews.

Per Barbara’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held with her immediate family.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.ascendweston.org.