Barbara E. Haefer, age 81, of Reedsburg passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Her final days were spent in the loving care of Our House Assisted Living in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Barbara died of natural causes.

Entering the world as Barbara Ellen Krey on April 30, 1942 in Reedsburg, she was one of three children born to the late Harold and Evelyn (Dorow) Krey. On June 29, 1959, Barbara was united in marriage to David D. Haefer. This union introduced three sons: Martin in 1960, Wayne in 1961, and Robert in 1965.

Barbara held various factory jobs throughout her life as well as working as a waitress and bartender, but she had a real knack and love for numbers and bookkeeping. After obtaining her Associate’s degree in her early 50’s, she began her final career in 1995 working for Ho-Chunk Casino as an administrative assistant for about 10 years until her retirement. Post retirement, she fully enjoyed nature as it surrounded her in the woods where she and David built and established their own homestead. The couple spent much of their time in retirement outdoors both tending to the property and enjoying the company of family and friends. Some favorite past times of Barb’s included watching and identifying the wild birds; keeping up with her garden where she grew a wide variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers; and entertaining company on the back deck where many enjoyed her home-cooking. Barb and Dave loved camping at Eagle’s Nest with family and friends alike but could also be found traveling with Bobby in their motorhome anywhere in the US and sometimes Canada.

Barbara came to be known as Barb, Barbie, Gram, Gramma, and Granny but was also fondly known as “The Lady in Red” by close friends and family. The way she embodied the color, no one could question it was her favorite.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia, brother David, and granddaughter Samantha.

Barbie is survived by her three sons; Martin of Waupaca, Wayne (LeAnne) of Deforest, and Bobby at home; granddaughters Megan, Alexis, Mercedes, Ciera, and Kelsey Rose; three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held by family and friends the third weekend in September at Barbie’s home in Reedsburg. Details to follow.