Barbara “Barb” Ellen Greene
Barbara “Barb” Ellen Greene, 71, Cadott, passed away, surrounded by her family, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer and associated complications, Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023.
Barbara was born July 24, 1952, to Peter and Edna (Schumacher) Goettl, and grew up in Cadott, on the family farm, with her seven siblings.
She attended St. Joseph Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Cadott High School in 1970.
Barb was united in marriage to Franklin “Frank” Greene Sr., May 27, 1972, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. The couple, married 51 years, resided in Cadott, where they raised their four children.
Until her retirement in 2017, Barb worked for 44 years, at Mason Shoe Company in Chippewa Falls.
The family attended St. Rose of Lima Church and her four children also attended St. Joseph Catholic School. The couple, during their retirement, joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanley, where they enjoyed the camaraderie of their new church family.
Barb enjoyed reading novels, listening to her favorite music, doing puzzle books and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder. Additionally, she enjoyed watching judge shows, Columbo and comedy films.
She and Frank enjoyed many road trips to observe nature, notably, their fall trips to see the autumn colors around Lake Superior.
Barb was an active parent in the Sigel Sodbusters 4-H Club, advising photography and other youth projects. Each year, she looked forward to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair and helping in the kitchen at 4-H camp.
The central focus of Barb’s life was always her family. Barb and Frank spent much of their spare time cheering on, and encouraging, their children and grandchildren, by attending countless concerts, plays, sporting events and other school activities, as a demonstration of their unconditional love and support.
She is survived by her husband – Franklin Sr., Cadott; her children – Renee Ewings (Brian McGinnis), Rhinelander, Bethany (Joe) Felmlee, Stanley, Erin (Dan) Plombon, Stanley, and Franklin (Ree Nae) Greene Jr., La Crosse; her grandchildren – Allison (Lucas) Boos, Adrianne (Stephen) Kelly, Morgan (Kenny) Thompson, Makenzie (Neil) Estes, Sophia McGinnis, Mason and Emerson Felmlee, Christopher, Gregory and Henry Plombon, and Ellanor and Augustene Greene; her great-grandchildren – Beau, Miles, Paige, Cooper, Olivia, Finley, Elizabeth and Laine; her siblings – Ann “Chris” (Chuck) Collins, Phoenix, Ariz., Michael Goettl, Eau Claire, Therese Goodteacher, Yankton, S.D., Mary (Mark) Javner, Prairie Farm, Virginia Goettl, Hilliard, Ohio, and Susan Goettl (Peter Sheehan), Hay Market, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister – Patricia Steinmetz; and brother-in-law – David Steinmetz.
Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanley, with Pastor Kenneth Schmidt officiating. Burial followed at the Brooklawn Cemetery in Cadott.
Visitation was Monday, Nov. 13, from 4-7 p.m., at Plombon Funeral Home in Stanley, and Tuesday, Nov. 14, one hour prior to the service, at the church.
