Barbara Jean Baker, known to most simply as “Barb,” died in her dream house with a view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Walsenburg, Colorado, on Christmas Day, 2020. She’d spent her last hours doing exactly what she loved: communing with the birds, hiking with her dog Kai – the final in a long line of German Shepherds— and bicycling at Lathrop State Park before returning home and peacefully passing on in her sleep.
Barb was born Barbara Jean Krohn on August 27, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Jean (nee Nelson) and Hilbert Krohn, the middle of three children and a “rock” for her siblings. She built her life upon this innate gift of compassion and steadiness, serving as a personal and professional counselor to many people. She was known for guiding family, friends, and clients through their hardships toward healing and joy.
Barb earned her Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and worked as a psychotherapist for Catholic Charities and in private practice. This mission to help others was enhanced by her spirituality and love of nature. She served as Director of Siena Transitional Living for survivors of domestic abuse and became an associate of the Dominican Sisters in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, in 1993. Barb cared deeply about issues of social justice and worked in devotional and practical ways toward gender, class, and race equality.
Although rooted in Oshkosh for most of her life, Barb was an avid world traveler, happiest on adventures to Ireland, Greece, China, New Zealand, Mexico, and the islands of French Polynesia. At the age of 50, she biked from Wisconsin to Maine, equipped with only a bicycle, a tent, and her distinctive courage. This “best year of her life” inspired many other biking adventures in Alaska, the Florida Keys, and Colorado. From as early as childhood, Barb dreamed of living out West, and eventually moved there, piece-by-piece, over the last decade, always a believer in making dreams come true.
When not hiking in the Rocky Mountains in her new home state of Colorado, Barb could be found swimming during the summers in Marl Lake in Waupaca, Wisconsin, or during the winters in Hawaii. She was most at home when gliding alongside fish or at 7000 feet above sea level where the mountain lions roam. Always a seeker of balance, she’d allow herself to sit still too. In these moments, she knitted sweaters, socks, and hats to keep loved ones warm; designed and made quilts; listened to National Public Radio; and read everything from books on Buddhism to best-selling novels.
Barb was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Krohn; her father, Hilbert Krohn; her brother, Gordon Krohn; and several aunts and uncles, most notably her Aunt Barb, the librarian for whom she was named.
She is survived by her two children, Christopher (Kelly) Baker and Laura Jean Baker (Ryan) Ulrich; her eight grandchildren, Lena Baker, Raina Baker, Irelyn “Irie” Ulrich, Leo Ulrich, Sebastian Baker, Fern Ulrich, Francis “Frank” Ulrich, and Gustav Ulrich. She is also survived by her sister Pamela Pfeffer (nee Krohn); several cousins; many devoted friends; and her constant companion, her dog Kai.
A celebration of Barb’s life is being planned for summer 2021 in Waupaca, Wisconsin, where her family history stretches back many generations. Barb will live on in her loved ones’ stories, memories, and tangible reminders of what she loved most such as long hikes in the mountains and summer swims on the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes. Expressions of sympathy can be made to reflect whatever is meaningful to Barb’s friends and family. Charitable donations to local non-profit organizations Barb supported such as the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, the Day by Day Warming Shelter, and the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Shelter are welcomed.
The Oshkosh Area Humane Society would like to extend its condolences to Christopher, Laura Jean, and all of Barb’s family. We are sorry for your loss. We know Kai will be missing Barb too.
We are also grateful to Barb for all her support through the years, and now donating her memorial gifts to the Oshkosh Humane Society.
Our sympathy to each of you at this most difficult time.
I was so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I have such fond memories of her from years ago when she fostered for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. Barb would be up to taking anything and was always so positive and happy. Always smiling. Animals always came back well socialized and ready for adoption. She lived her life well and was always up for an adventure. I’m so glad that our paths crossed and I got an opportunity to call her a friend.
I have been in a close circle of women that included Barb for over 30 years. She was a sister. We shared our lives, our stories, our photos, and table after table of wonderful food. There’s no way to describe the shock of hearing she had died and would be with us from now on only in spirit. Her vigorous way of life made us all believe she would be here forever, or at least for a long, long time to come. I wish blessings and love to her beloved children, grandchildren, and canine companion. I know she was greeted by all the dogs who crossed the Rainbow Bridge before she passed. Love you always Barb.
Barb,
I enjoyed your friendship throughout the years. You where so good with animals and just an extra special person all around. I still smile when I remember taking care of Cruiser once while you were out of town, I took him for a walk by Menominee Park and people would cross the street not realizing although he was 95 pounds, he had the disposition of of puppy.
It was a fun road-trip when I drove your camper van to Colorado for you in August 2020. I alway thought we’d see you again soon, life is so unpredictable. I know you’re traveling the universe as a free soul and hope to cross paths once again.
God Bless you Barb