Barbara A. Zwieg

Barbara Ann Zwieg, known to many as Barb, was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin to Weiles R and Edna Zwieg (nee Huegli) on May 17, 1944. Barbara was called by the Lord Jesus to His side in heaven on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Barbara was a permanent resident of Hartland, knew many local people, and was well known in the community because of her banking connections.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was Barb’s lifelong congregation. She was baptized in June 1944 by Pastor Philip Hartwig and confirmed in May 1958 by Pastor Frederick Zarling. She was a very active member, involved in the Dorcas Group (a church service organization), Ladies Aid, the Lutheran Women’s Mission Society (LWMS), Aid Association for Lutherans and the hot lunch program at school.

The State Bank of Hartland was Barb’s first and only place of employment starting at age 18. She started as a teller and, showing her interest in the field, took a bookkeeping course, scoring 98%. In time her skills and acumen earned her the position of office manager. The bank changed owners and names several times, but Barb remained with the business as a valued employee. Her last location was in Lebanon, Wisconsin.

Barb was close and nearly lifelong friends with Sally Burns, whom she met at age five. Sally passed away four years ago. Barb was also the godmother of Sally’s daughter, Janene, who recalls fond memories of these two ladies’ friendships. Barb had the tradition of bringing lobster tails, for Janene’s dad, to their home each New Year’s Eve to celebrate Christmas. “Barb spoiled me (and my kids) rotten every Christmas and birthday.” The gifts that meant most to Janene, though, were the “trinkets” that Barb brought back from traveling. 

Another longtime friend of Barb’s was Fran Gepner. After Fran became a widow, the two of them spent a lot of time together working on church projects, organizing church and AAL events, creating and organizing the church library, and beyond their work with volunteering at Zion, traveling together. She LOVED to travel! Some destinations included: Alaska, Hawaii, the east coast, Boston and Cape Cod (Sally traveled with them, too, to visit Janene), and anywhere LWMS conventions were held.

Of course, Barb had many other interests, as well. She loved Wisconsin’s sports teams, frequently enjoying Brewers and Packers games, and despite saying she didn’t care for basketball, she also watched Bucks games. The “Hartford” radio station (104.9 FM) was always on in her house, even if she and her brother were watching television, too. In her younger years Barb liked to sew and attend ceramics classes. Barb’s niece, Toni, remembers her for her holiday Jello and Christmas fudge.

In the summer, the family home was an envied location by family and friends, particularly as it was the perfect spot on Capitol Drive to watch the Hartland Hometown Parade. Her yard would be filled with lawn chairs, blankets, kids and parents on top of them, excitedly anticipating fire trucks’ horns and sirens, and the various other sights and groups of the parade, especially those handing out candy. Barb looked forward to that day each year.

Barb was proceeded in death by her parents and by her brothers Ronald, Donald, and Weiles (Jr). She is survived by sisters-in-law Sandy and Geraldine, nieces and nephews, as well as other family and friends.

Barb’s funeral service will be held at 1:30pm, Tuesday, December 17th at Evert-Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Ave, Hartland, Wisconsin 53029. Visitation is from 1:00pm until 1:30pm. Burial will follow at Hartland Cemetery. 

Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church in Hartland.