Barbara Jeanette Militzer, age 84 of Beaver Dam, WI passed away peacefully at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living on Thursday, December 9, 2024.

A memorial service for Barb will take place at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 12:15 p.m. Following the service, there will be a time of gathering and fellowship until 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at 2:15 p.m. at Highland Memory Gardens, town of Trenton.

Barb was born in Winona, MN on October 24, 1940, the son of Harlan W. and Dorothy (nee Harvey) Hein. After graduating from Central High School in La Crosse, WI, Barb attended the Wisconsin State College in La Crosse (a.k.a. UW La Crosse.)  After receiving her degree in Education, she began her thirty year career with the Beaver Dam Unified School District as an Elementary Teacher.  Barb met her future husband John J. Militzer through a friend, and they were united in marriage on July 18, 1964 shortly thereafter.  After starting a family, Barb's professional career also grew.  As a respected educator, a proud moment for Barb was when she won the coveted title of Wisconsin State Teacher of the year for Special Services in 1986.  Barb's love of learning was lifelong, and in 1987 she earned her Masters Degree from UW-Whitewater.  Barb was also an avid antique collector, gardener, crafter, and reader.  She made beautiful hooked rugs, handmade quilts, and had an expert eye for decorating.  Barb collected vintage holiday decor and was a proud member of the collectors club known as; the Golden Glow of Christmas Past.  She enjoyed attending Golden Glow conventions and expos throughout the country, as well as co-hosting several Wisconsin state conventions and local events in Beaver Dam.  Spending time with family was a high priority, and Barb was a friend to many.  She was a wonderful parent and grandparent, offering helpful advice or a bent ear whenever you needed it.  She loved attending her granddaughter Chloe's musicals and special events throughout elementary school, and proudly encouraged and supported her higher education.  Barb was the person you could always count on.  With a helpful hand, quick wit, and kind heart, she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Patrick J. & Janine (nee Sorgatz) Militzer, Cory J. & Jill (nee Zaremba) Militzer, granddaughter; Chloe R. Militzer; brother; Harlan W. (Caroline) Hein Jr., nephews;  Travis Hein, Benjamin (Katie) Hein, Kent Militzer, Kirk (Julie) Militzer, as well as additional relatives and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Harlan W. and Dorothy (nee Harvey) Hein, her beloved husband of 59 years: John J. Militzer, and additional relatives.

If desired, memorials in Barb's name may be directed to the Beaver Dam Area Community Theater.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.