Barbara peacefully left this earth to be with her awaiting heavenly family on March 30, 2023, at the age of 93 years and 15 days. Barbara was born in Eureka Township on March 15, 1930, to Harold and Darline (Johnson) Brown.
After the death of her father at the tender age of six, the family continued to struggle through trying times being raised by a single mom with her 3 siblings. Though only obtaining an eighth-grade education, Barbara continued to learn by life experiences. She met the love of her life Cecil Vernon Owen and were married on Dec. 27, 1947 in Center City, Minnesota. To this union they had 4 children, Sammy, Janice, Glenn and Lyneva.
The family moved to California in 1956 to find a better life. Barbara worked in California as a telephone operator for several years while Cecil worked as a mechanic. The family moved back to Wisconsin in the early sixties to live a quieter life. Then Cecil suffered a debilitating work injury and was unable to continue working as a mechanic. Sammy was then able to go to work and along with his loving mother helped support the family. She managed to raise her children to be hard working adults.
After the untimely passing of Cecil in May of 1971, her life would be forever changed. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith in Cushing, WI. Several years later she would be reacquainted with Donald Peterson, whom she had known from her schools years. They would then marry and build a home in the Barrens of Sterling Township. Later, after Don’s retirement as a carpenter, they moved to Milltown, WI. After Don’s death, she continued to live in Milltown until the loss of vision caused her to move into the Good Samaritan Home in St. Croix Falls in 2017 where she volunteered and remained until her passing.
Barbara was preceded in death by her father and mother (at age 97), husbands Cecil and Donald, brothers Claude Brown, William and Jerry Nutter. Sister Opal, grandchildren Christy and Andy McKenzie.
She is survived by children Sammy (Kathy) Owen, Janice Krueger, Glenn (Patti) Owen and Lyneva (Bill) Hook of Des Moines Iowa, 17 Grandchildren, 24 Great-grandchildren and 16 Great-Great Grandchildren and was eagerly waiting the birth of her 17th Great-Great grandchild in September. Brother Ken (June) Brown of Florida and sister Karen Clover of Centuria, WI.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Cushing, WI. With visitation at 10:00 and services at 11:00 with luncheon after.
She will then be cremated and interred at a later date in Pleasant Hill Cemetery which was given by her ancestors next to the family farm.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card,
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a floral piece,
If so, we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words,
As any friend could say;
Perhaps you were not there at all,
Just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console out hearts,
We thank you so much whatever the part.
-The family of Barbara (Owen) Peterson
