Barbara Ann Reynolds

Barbara Ann (Biegel) Reynolds, age 80 of Woodruff, died on Wednesday, September 1st at Milestone Senior Living in Tomahawk. Barb was born on January 26, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Richard and Helen Biegel and Vincent and Mary Biegel. Barb worked as an optometric technician for Eye Care Associates in Woodruff for 25 years, where she was an integral member of the staff, helping to provide a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere at the clinic.

Barb devoted her life to her family and her faith. She was the matriarch of a tight-knit family that included her seven children, 19 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her biggest wish in life was to see her children's children, and that wish came true for her time and time again. She was a cancer survivor, a friend to all, and a role model for many in the community. As a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of the Universe and later Holy Family Catholic Church, she touched numerous lives in her service as a Charter Member of the Secular Franciscans, Friends First group coordinator, Sacristan, Lay Minister, Lector, Eucharist Minister, choir member, and countless other volunteer activities for the church, including dressing up as a clown for Our Lady Queen of the Universe’s Summer Fest Family Fun Day.

Barb enjoyed camping with her extended family, cross country skiing, crossword puzzles, cooking, reading, polka music, crafting, knitting, crocheting and quilting. She made baptismal gowns for many children baptised in the community. In the summer, Barb could be found swimming laps between the buoys at Clear Lake, or sitting at the beach working on a Dell puzzle book with the scent of Coppertone in the air.

In her retirement, Barb remained devoted to the church and was heavily involved at Holy Family, volunteering her time as a faith minister to bring the Holy Eucharist to those in hospitals, nursing homes and the homebound.

She is survived by children; Cathy (Bruce) Oxley, Cynthia “Sam” (Chad) Elmore, Keith Reynolds, Kraig (Michelle) Reynolds, Chris (Ron) Guralski, Cheryl (Isaac) Markus and daughter-in-law; Jen Reynolds, grandchildren; Collette (Matt), Katelyn (Ben), Cory, Anthony (Sara), James (Anna), Steven (Hannah), Phineas, Lucas, Teaghan, Rhoswen, Brianna, Katrina (Jack), Libby, Cole, Hailey, Malina, Calvin and Bodhi; and by great-grandchildren Walker and Olivia. She is also survived by her her siblings Helene (Ernie) Biegel, Mary Lou (Lew) Hurlbutt, Vince (Karen) Biegel, Martha (Fred) Lisiewicz, Jerome Biegel, Judy Baeza, Bernard (Karen) Biegel and Naomi Biegel, and her sister-in-law Sharon Biegel. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors who remember her for her faith, service, wisdom, calming presence and willingness to lend a hand.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Robert Lee Reynolds, her parents Richard and Helen Biegel and Vincent and Mary Biegel, her son, Deacon Kevin Reynolds, and her granddaughter, Morgan Reynolds.

On behalf of Barb and her family, thank you to the staff at Milestone in Tomahawk for welcoming Barb as a member of their family the moment she moved in, and for the extraordinary care and compassion provided to Barb throughout her time living there. The compassion and care shown to Barb and her family in the last week of her life was exceptional and made a difficult time easier.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 7th at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church with a visitation from 9:00 am till 10:45 am at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel in Woodruff, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Franciscan Compassion Fund, Holy Family Catholic Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.