Barbara Roberts

Barbara Jane Roberts of Wausau, left this earth, free of pain and in her sleep on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Wausau Manor under the care of Asera Care Hospice.

She was born on July 17, 1936, in Coral Gables, FL, the first daughter of John Frank and Lorene Marie (Mowery) Grubbs. She graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1954, and then from Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1957.

She married Joseph Harry Roberts. Barbara first took notice of Joe when his photo and article appeared in the state Church of God newsletter. She and her best friend looked forward to meeting him at the annual statewide Camp Meeting. At that Camp Meeting, Joe first saw Barbara standing on a table making an announcement. Their courtship was conducted through the mail while he was at college in Indiana and she was in nursing school. He proposed on New Year'sEve. They were married on September 7, 1957, at Kendall Church of God in South Miami, FL.

After graduation from nursing school, she worked as an emergency room nurse and later as a public health nurse until 1971, when she, her husband, and two daughters moved to Wausau, WI. She was a homemaker for many years and assisted in a coffeehouse ministry during the 1970s. She later returned to nursing, working in the geriatric health field.

There was little she would not tackle and was known for her good cooking, cake decorating, sewing, crocheting, and most of all knitting. She would knit mittens for anyone who gave her the yarn and often surprised people with sweaters, socks, and other gifts. In addition, she tried her hand at canning, quilting, candy making, embroidery, counted cross-stitch, and gardening. After leaving Florida she became an avid Packer fan and enjoyed watching the games with her family.

She leaves behind her husband; two daughters, Jeanne (Jeff) Klapperich, Wausau and their Children, Anne (Dan) Booker, Chicago, IL, Laura (Scott) Welge, St. Louis Park, MN, Michael (Katie) Klapperich, Stevens Point, Adam Klapperich, Stevens Point, and Sharon Klapperich, Wausau and Elaine (Alan) Weygandt, Ishpeming, MI and their children, Stephen and Michelle
Weygandt, Ishpeming, MI; two sisters, Dorothy (Richard) Melaven, Webb City, MO and Eileen
(Arthur) Holden, St. Augustine, FL; and many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be at Christ Community Church, Weston, on Thursday, April 19 from 5:00 pm
until 7:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 pm. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the
family with arrangements. You may sign our family guest book at www.helke.com.