Koehnke, Barbara Jean

Other Events:

• Obituary: 27 May 2007; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Barbara Jean (Koehnke) (Barb) Kons, Combined Locks, died at her home with her family at her side on Saturday, May 26, 2007. She was 62 years young when she passed away due to lung and liver cancer. Barb was born in Appleton, Wis., on Sept. 27, 1944, to the late Robert and Esther (Schwarz) Koehnke. On June 27, 1962, at St. John's Church in Little Chute, Barbara married the love of her life, Ronald Kons. No matter what obstacles laid in their path, love prevailed. During their 45 years of marriage, they've defined the definition of love: "It's when the joy of giving and receiving becomes so habit-forming, you no longer realize the difference." In their own way, the family knows if love alone could have saved her, Barb would be here today. Sometimes their outward signs of affection were observed by others who would say, "why don't you guys get a room?" Some would even say Ron and Barb were more like lovers than husband and wife. They always believed they were one in the same. Among other things Barbara taught Ron how to shoot pool and play cribbage. And he has done quite well playing against others. Then one day he decided to challenge her to a game. That's when he found out she taught him everything he knows, but, not everything she knows!
Barb is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Jackie (Todd) Gradl, Kimberly; son, Scott (Julie) Kons, Oshkosh; and a special needs son, Greg Kons Wilkinson, Madison; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Eric and Sarah Houle, Oshkosh; Heather (D.J.) Squair, Appleton; Wendy Janssen, Appleton and Alyssa Janssen, Kimberly; Travis and Maranda Gradl, South Carolina; three great-great-grandchildren, Trenton Janssen, Appleton; Amari and Tayshon Squair, Appleton. She is also survived by her husband's sisters, Angie Van Groll, Kimberly and Carol Hart, Arizona and nieces and nephews, plus many friends.
Barb was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Tina Lyne; her parents, Robert and Esther Koehnke; a sister, Judy Van De Voort ; and her brother, Jim Koehnke; her husband's parents, Arthur and Harriet Kons; his brothers, Art (Bernadette) Kons, Jr., and Red Kons and a special sister-in-law, Tess Cochran.
The memorial service for Barb will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at JANSEN FARGO FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Tom Fritz officiating. Interment will take place at St. Paul Cemetery, Combined Locks. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial fund has been established.
Barb and her family thank everyone at the Martha Siekman Cancer Center, who were always there to welcome us with a smile and the ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their love, care giving and affection during her time of need. A special thanks to the Breakfast Club. Also, thanks to the many who had shown their love and concern through deeds and prayer. We truly were blessed.
Mom,
When I can get a direct
line up to heaven,
I'll be calling you.
Thank you for
being my mom.
Love Always,
Jackie
Mom,
Your traits, I despised as
a youth, are now
a part of my character
for which I thank you.
If it weren't for you
I wouldn't be the strong,
stubborn and caring
person that I am today.
THANKS!
Love Always,
Scott
JANSEN FARGO
FUNERAL HOME
204 E. Kimberly Ave.
Kimberly 920-788-6202

Barbara married Kons, Ronald (son of Kons, Arthur and DeWildt, Harriet M.) [Group Sheet]