MADISON- Barbara and Darrell Heath remain side by side in death as they did in life. Barbara Heath, 85, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, and her husband, of 66 years, Darrell Heath, age 86, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, with family by their side.

Barbara was born on June 19, 1938, in Madison, the daughter of Frederick and Ellen (Lester) Droster. Darrell was born on June 21, 1937, in Sparta, the son of Ulysses and Marlyne (Kurtzman) Heath.

Darrell graduated from Sparta High School in 1955 and later graduated from Madison Business College. Barbara graduated from Madison East High School in 1956. They were united in marriage on Sept. 14, 1957, in Madison, WI.

Barbara was employed at MG & E for several years and for many years at Walgreens. Later she worked as a floral designer at Sentry. She enjoyed crafting and loved anything related to butterflies.

Early in Darrell’s career, he was employed by the University of Wisconsin in purchasing. Later, he owned his own cleaning business before he started working at Goodman’s Jewelers in 1994 where he remained employed until his death. He loved watching all kinds of sports and they both especially enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. They also enjoyed bowling and camping together. Darrell loved the sound of the ocean waves and enjoyed collecting lighthouses. The highlight of their lives was spending time with their family.

Barbara and Darrell are survived by their children, Mark (Sandy) Heath and Kathy (Scott) Van Maren; grandchildren, Chad Heath, Matthew Heath, Eric (Angela) Heath, Alex (Nicky) Van Maren and Ross (Aiza) Van Maren; great-grandchildren, Noah and Addison Van Maren; Barb's Goddaughter, Lin Zuchowski; and many other relatives and friends. They were preceded in death by their parents, Barbara’s brothers, Marvin, Dean and Fred Jr.; and sisters-in-law, Zelda and Shirley.

A Celebration of Life honoring the lives and love of Barbara and Darrell will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHUCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, with the Rev. Jeff Vanden Heuvel presiding. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, and also at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the service on Thursday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Barbara E. Heath

June 19, 1938 - September 15, 2023

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