Barbara L. Jiricka

Barbara L. “Betty Lou” Jiricka, age 88, passed away at Gabriel's Villa on the morning of Tuesday, May 9, 2023. She was born to the late Arthur and Katherine (Suess) Stelzner on November 15, 1934, in Oshkosh. She married W. Peter Jiricka on May 19, 1962, in Oshkosh. He preceded her in death in 2013. Barb worked at AT&T as a data processor for 30 years and continued after retirement as a volunteer for the Wisconsin Telephone Pioneers.

Barb had a passion for knitting and made numerous afghans for family as wedding gifts over the years. In addition to crafting of all kinds, Barb enjoyed spending quality time traveling with friends and family, with a particular fondness for cabins in the ‘North Woods.’ Barb was also a frequent visitor at various casinos and a staple at Friday night American Marine Corps bingo.

Barb’s most cherished role in life was being a grandma. Whether baking cookies, making salsa, playing games, or cracking jokes, Grandma Barb poured love and time into her grandchildren. She spent countless hours caring for, nurturing, and bonding with each of her grandchildren, creating special memories they will hold dear. Grandma Barb will be remembered as the heart of Christmas celebrations, the soul of late-night bonfire chats, and the best giver of hugs and snuggles.

Barb is survived by her children, Kathy (John Duron) Rumlow and David (Lisa) Jiricka; grandchildren Alyssa (Andrew), Ashley (Isaac), Ariana (Austin), Brayden, Ryan (Shaya), and William (Krystal); and brother, Arthur Stelzner Jr., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Barb was preceded in death by her brothers Donald (Patricia), Roger and Jerome Stelzner, and sister-in-law Betty Stelzner.

A memorial service for Barb will be held on Tuesday, May 16, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (West Side). A time of visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a service to follow, officiated by Pastor Lucy Hardie. A private inurnment will take place at Lake View Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staff of Gabriel’s Villa and Moments Hospice for their loving care of Barb.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers may note that a memorial fund will be established.