Barbara L. Besler

Barbara Lynne Besler passed away Saturday, July 27th, 2024, with family by her side at the Marshfield Medical Center.  Barb was born April 11th, 1945, at St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin. to John and Margaret (Cole) Woodward.

Barb graduated from Merrill High School in 1963 and furthered her education by attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  In later years, she also attended the University of Wisconsin Marshfield Campus and obtained a bachelor’s degree.

Barb was united in marriage to Allen (Jim) Besler on September 5th, 1964.  During their years together, they raised two children, Todd Jon and Jayme Lynn.  A love of travel provided the family with several vacations throughout the United States as well as Mexico.  There was seldom a Christmas or Easter break that they did not go on a vacation.  Barb and Jim also celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe.  Summer weekends were spent at the cottage on Pier Lake.  Barb spent most days reading and cooking while enjoying the summer.

Her career spanned over 35 years with the Marshfield Clinic Laboratory where she held various positions.  She was an integral part in the implementation of the computer system used by the lab.  She traveled throughout the state to assist other Marshfield Clinic locations with the lab computer services.

Barb and Jim moved to the Eau Pleine Flowage in 1992.  A new chapter of life began in 2008 upon retiring.  An active life was continued with annual family weekends as well as 4th of July celebrations and bean bag tournaments.  As an avid entertainer, Barb enjoyed every moment when friends and family came to visit.  You could always find her in the kitchen planning the next meal.  She loved to garden and share her over abundance of vegetables with everyone.  Barb was an active member of the BEPCO organization, the Green Valley Snowmobile Club, a lifelong bridge group, as well as a Tuesday morning breakfast club.  With retirement also came the ability to spend winters in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.  Everyone was invited to come visit any time they wanted, whether it be the flowage or Mexico.

Barb is survived by her Daughter, Jayme Besler-Fink (Rob); her Daughter-In-Law, Mary Besler; her Grandchildren, Alicia (Jonathon) Gilson, Benjamin (Kassandra) Altman, Abbey Besler (Cody Guldan), and Danielle (Alexander) Martin; Great-Grandchildren, Madison, Makayla, Macy, Lukas, Emma, Colton, Wesley, Hailey, and Chyanne; her Brother, Gary (Deborah) Woodward; her Sister, Nancy McDuff; and Brother, David Woodward.  Barb is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her son, Todd; two infant sons; one infant daughter; and her sister, Marilyn.

Funeral arrangements have been made with Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home with Visitation hours beginning at 9:00am on Friday, August 2nd, 2024; with a service to follow at 11:00am. The Rev. Mark Krueger will officiate.  A light luncheon will be served after.

Although flowers are nice, the family would prefer donations that can be used to create a memorial in Barb’s name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara L. Besler, please visit our floral store.