On January 12, 2012, Barbara Anita (Brandt) Berner of Lily, let Jesus take the wheel and went home to her heavenly Father to join her husband and so many family members and friends who had passed before her.

Barbara was born on October 1, 1932 to Anita and Earl Brandt in Wausau. She was their only child.

After graduation from Wausau Senior High, Barbara worked in Wausau at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and later for a dentist, Dr. Seidl.

Barbara and Lloyd met while in the 10th grade. They were engaged to be married April 1951 while Lloyd was on leave from the U.S. Marine Corp. On April 9, 1952 in Morehead City, North Carolina, Barbara and Lloyd were married. They had four children Debra, Michael, Mary and Susan. Lloyd preceded Barbara in death on November 24, 2008.

Wausau was home to Barbara and Lloyd post military. In 1955 they made their home on 10th Avenue in Antigo. While raising the children in Antigo Barbara devoted many volunteer hours to various church, school, and civic projects. Barbara enjoyed playing Bridge and she was a very skilled player. In 1973 they moved to Stevens Point and retirement took them to Lily. While retired Barbara continued to play Bridge, enjoyed knitting, counted cross stitch, and reading. Barbara was a former member of the Pickerel-Pearson Lions Club.

Survivors include four children, Debra (Bruce) Kluever of Hazelhurst, Michael Berner of Pickerel, Mary (Rick) Zinda of Green Bay and Susan (Doug) Ross of Plover; eight grandchildren, Kurt, Dina, Tara, Jacob, Jason, Amanda, Samantha and Ryan; nine great grandchildren, Kraig, Aeric, Luke, Isabel, Joshua, Alena, Alisha, Nicholas and Emma; five step great grandchildren, David, Joshua, Justin, Elijah and Isaac; and a step great great grandchild, Emmett.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. William Brunner officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be 10 - 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the hospice organization of the donor's choice.

Services