Barbara J McGill
February 15, 2018
Obituary
LODI-Barbara Jean (Reed) McGill, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at home with her Family by her side. She bravely battled Multiple Myeloma for 14 years. She was born on June 29, 1943, in Viroqua, Wis., the first child to Ernest & Mabel Reed. She grew up in Viroqua and graduated High School in 1961. Barbara later moved to Madison, Wis., and in 1963 married Patrick McGill, together they had one child, Teresa Ann. They later divorced in 1980. Barb worked for American Family Insurance for 38 years where she made many lifelong friends. Family was a priority for her and she loved her role as a Mother and Grandmother. She always made time to attend her daughter and her grandchildren’s many activities. She enjoyed staying active with golf, softball, bowling, boating, gardening, remodeling, and had a great eye for interior design and fashion. In 1993 she began a new chapter of her life when she met her life partner and best friend, Donald Koski. They built a beautiful life together and were perfectly partnered. In 2004 they bought and remodeled their dream home on Lake Wisconsin in Harmony Grove. It was a peaceful haven where they hosted many gatherings for their many friends and family. Barb grew to love living on the water where they enjoyed boating, fishing, watching sunsets, moon cruises and enjoying nature on a daily basis. Barbara is survived by her daughter Teresa (Jerry) Raffel, their children Jake, Darby, Travis and Logan Raffel. Her life partner Donald Koski, his daughter, Pamela (Renee) Koski, their children, Kade and Ellie Koski, his son, Brian (Aimee) Koski and his daughter, Stephanie (Andy) Koski. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roger and Steven Reed, and a sister, Faye McGarry. Per Barbara’s request, a Celebration of Life will be held in late summer. Specific date and information will be published in a future announcement. The family would like recognize the nurses, staff, and Dr. Amit Sanyal and Dr. Natalie Callender of Dean Oncology and the Carbone Cancer Center for their excellent and compassionate care. Also, special thanks to the Wisconsin Multiple Myeloma Support Group who provided friendship, support and comfort during her journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UW Foundation - Trillium Fund, 1848 University Avenue, Madison, Wis., 53726 which was established for Multiple Myeloma research here in Madison, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.Hamre Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Care157 S. Main Street(608)592-3201
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Memories
JR
Jack Raffel
Other •
Barb was a very special person. I saw her most of the time at her grandchildren's sporting events. I always hoped when I walked into the building to see the game that she was there. She had a way that made you feel like you really made her day if she got to see you. I think she thought everyone was very special and needed to be treated as such. Something I will always try to emulate. She will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to family and friends
BR
Bonnie Rostad
Other •
I met Barb through work at American Family Insurance many years ago. She was a very special individual and always so friendly and a smile on her face. I was saddened to hear of her passing. RIP Barb!
Bonnie Rostad
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Peg and Rob Gibson
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We are friends of Barb and Don through the Multiple Myeloma Support Group. Don, our heartfelt sympathy to you and family in the passing of Barb. As stated above, Barb made people feel so special. Truly, Barb was one of the most beautiful people we have ever met. She is greatly missed. Sending Love and Prayers, Peg and Rob Gibson
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Debbie DeMinter
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I first met Barb at American Family and we were neighbors for a while. We shared some good times on our Friday afternoons off and at her softball games. I was very saddened to hear of her death. Their were people that said we looked a like and used to joke about being sisters. After losing my own sister in January this leaves an even bigger whole in my life. You have lost a most wonderful mother, grandmother and friend. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
EJ
Elaine Jegi
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Don, Barb and I shared many adventures over the years. Our travels took us to interesting locales such as The Caribbean and Belize and on many occasions, to Ironwood, Michigan. Barb brought a sense of fun and a spirit of possibility thinking to our travels, always welcoming whatever came about with her lovely smile.
The welcome mat was always out at Don and Barb's beautiful home on the lake. I will treasure the memories of being on the pontoon boat, watching the sun set and moon rise. Barb's graciousness and thoughtfulness carried the day as she tended to all the details to make our time together relaxing and enjoyable. Her hospitality extended to all as evidenced by the hosting of a Koski family reunion,, sharing with all of us the beauty and charm of their home on Lake Wisconsin .
Barb and Don's visit to California to join me in celebrating my 80th Birthday will always be a reminder of Barb's thoughtfulness and caring. Her illness was creating challenges; however, she smiled through it all--always putting the needs of others first, as was her style.
I am grateful, knowing that my brother Don had such a special person in his life. Her loving caring and spirit will live forever in our hearts.
Elaine Koski Jegi, Don's Sister
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Kristy Glassman
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I am so thankful for the fun and memorable times I had with Barb alongside my Uncle Don. Belize, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, and California. My heart breaks for Barb's family and for my dear Uncle. I'm sending my love from Germany and I wish you all peace and love during this very sad time.
~ Kristy Jegi Glassman