Barbara Jean Wohlfiel

Barbara Jean Wohlfiel (nee Bakken) of Arbor Vitae, WI., found eternal peace on Jan. 8, 2016. Barb was born to Lennert and Evelyn (Sybeldon) Bakken on Sept. 15, 1939, in Minocqua, WI. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard (Terry) Bakken. Barb lived her entire life in the Northwoods, graduating from Arbor Vitae-Woodruff High School in 1958 and married her high school sweetheart Ruben Wohlfiel on October 18,1958 at St. Anne's in Boulder Junction, WI. Barb worked at various local banks in the Lakeland area for over 35 years, working her way up from a teller to retiring as Vice President of Bookkeeping at Firstar (US Bank) in Minocqua, WI. She then worked part-time for another 15 years for the Town of Minocqua during tax season until her death. She valued the many enduring friendships with the folks she met and worked with through the years. Barb's interests included knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, reading, cooking, baking, and supporting the Wisconsin-based sports teams. A plethora of quilts, afghans, and wall hangings lovingly crafted by Barb are proudly displayed in her children/ grandchildren's homes. She also knit hundreds of mittens for area elementary schools and hats for newborns at HYMC. Her true dedication was to the safety and happiness of her children and grandchildren. She loved to stay up-to-date with the happenings in their lives and to watch them compete in volleyball, track, basketball, football, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels. She is survived by Ruben, her husband of 57 years, and her three children; Vicki (Peter) Gunderson of Middleton, WI.; Sherri Weldon of Minocqua, WI.; and Terry (Laurie) Wohlfiel of The Town of Lisbon, WI. She was also the proud grandma to eight grandchildren; Matthew, Lauren, and Kirsten Gunderson; Amanda (Phil) Negri and Brett Weldon; and Erik, Dylan, and Nicholas Wohlfiel. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Howard Young Medical Center ICU staff, especially Dr. Sara MS Ahmed and Jenny Borak, RN. Visitation will be at Bolger Funeral & Cremation Services, Minocqua, on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 3 pm, followed by a prayer service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Vilas County, Northwoods Wildlife Center, or the Oneida County Humane Society.