Barbara Szopinski

Barbara “Barb” Alice Szopinski, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Barb was born on October 30, 1945, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Gerald and Rose (Reischl) Strysick. After the passing of her mother, Rose, Shirley became her mom and played an important role in her life. Barb attended Hustisford High School, where she was crowned Junior Prom Queen.

Later, Barb met the love of her life, James “Jim” Szopinski, in a bar in Rosendale, Wisconsin. From that meeting grew a lifetime of love, laughter, family, and, as anyone who knew them would agree, a wonderful amount of chaos. They were married on January 23, 1965, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Neosho. Together, Barb and Jim built a home where there was always room for one more person, one more story, and one more laugh.

Barb learned from an early age the value of hard work, loyalty, laughter, and family. She worked for many years as an LPN at Watertown Hospital, as well as in nursing and assisted living homes, where she was known for her kindness, compassion, and heart of gold. She cared deeply for the people she served, but her greatest calling was always her family. Barb and Jim began their life together in Ripon before operating a bar in Johnson Creek for several years. They later moved to Dousman and eventually settled on a farm in Juneau, where they spent many years raising their family and building a life filled with memories. Along the way, they also owned and operated Jim and Barb’s Pit Stop in Oak Grove, creating another place where their love of people, laughter, and good times could shine through.

In retirement, Barb and Jim enjoyed their time in Florida before eventually settling in Pickerel, Wisconsin. There, Barb embraced life to the fullest alongside friends and family—bar hopping, boating, riding UTVs, and simply enjoying the people and moments that made her happiest. Barb will be remembered for so many things: her famous potato salad, whose recipe remains a closely guarded family secret; her unwavering love for the Brewers and Packers; her willingness to sit in gym for basketball games or in a freezing ice rink to watch hockey because she enjoyed being there for the people she loved.

Above all else, Barb will be remembered for her family. She never measured her life by accomplishments, awards, or possessions. She measured it by the people she loved, the memories she made, and the lives she touched. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. One of the things Barb had been looking forward to most was seeing her first granddaughter get married this fall. Although she will not be there to celebrate the wedding in person, she was given one very special gift before she left us: she got to taste a sample of the wedding cake. True to Barb, she had opinions about it—and that moment, as simple as it may seem, is one her granddaughter, Megan will treasure forever.

Those who knew Barb will remember her laughter, her loyalty, her generosity, her strong opinions, her enormous heart, and the way she made family feel like the most important thing in the world. Her absence will leave an emptiness that cannot be filled. But the love she gave so freely will live on—in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchild, family, friends, and in all the stories that will be told about her for years to come. Barb lived a life full of love, laughter, family, and a little bit of wonderful chaos. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Barb is survived by her husband, James; children, James (Nancy) Szopinski, Michael (Lisa) Szopinski, Chris (Pete) Puleo, Paul (Pam) Szopinski; her siblings, Margaret Yoakum and Dave (Carol) Strysick; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; brothers, Terrance Strysick and James Strysick; sister, Mary Strysick; sister-in-law, Joyce Harley; brothers-in-law, Peter Amend and John Szopinski; and other relatives.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Barb’s sister, Maggie, who lovingly cared for her; to SSM Hospice; maintenance man, Matt at Madison Place Apartments; and to the four wonderful caregivers who provided her with such compassionate care and support. Their kindness and dedication meant more to the family than words can express.

A memorial gathering for Barb will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam, from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 4:30 p.m.