Barbara J Posekany

MONONA-Barbara Jean Posekany, age 66, of Monona, passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born in Evanston, Ill., the daughter of Douglas and Jean Robertson. She graduated from Nicolet High School in Glendale, Wis. in 1966 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1970. Barbara worked for 26 years at Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS) Health Insurance Corporation, most recently as Director of Customer Service Consultants. She served on the City of Monona Plan Commission from 2012 to 2014. A lifelong football fan, Barbara never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Badgers or the Packers, and enthusiastically embraced her son-in-law’s passion for all things college basketball. She loved every opportunity to cheer loudly and laugh heartily. Barbara delighted in striking up a conversation with friends, family or anyone else who crossed her path, engaging them with warmth, caring, generosity, and a willingness to help in any way she could. She took great joy in fishing adventures with her sweetheart, Don. Most of all, Barbara was devoted to her family, many of whom were eager collaborators in a caper or two. She was an incredibly loving and supportive mother, sister, daughter and friend. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Ruth Posekany (Tom Russell) of Washington, D.C.; brother, Kent (Catherine) Robertson of Zionsville, Ind.; sisters, Bonnie Householder (Roger Fronek) of Oshkosh, Wis. and Jill Robertson (Brian Olmstead) of Milwaukee, Wis.; brother, Jack (Diane) Robertson of Madison, Wis.; sister-in-law, Karen Robertson of Port Washington, Wis.; her sweetheart, Don Colwell of Deerfield, Wis.; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Jean Robertson; and her brother, Douglas Robertson, Jr. A Memorial Celebration will be held for Barbara at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the Laurie Ferber Transplant Fund at UW Hospitals and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave., H4/810, Madison, WI 53792-8350, which benefits heart and lung transplant patients. Alternatively, memorials may go to Wisconsin Public Television or Wisconsin Public Radio, both at 821 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706. Barbara’s family extends its profound gratitude to the nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and staff at the ICU Unit of Meriter Hospital. Their loving care for Barbara was superb. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420