Barbara “Auntie Barb” A. Vilkoski

(nee Straszewski) Entered God’s loving arms on January 22, 2017 at age 78, reuniting with her dear husband, Stanley. Loving and caring aunt of Rick (Pam) Straszewski, Laura (Raymond) Feller, John (Geralyn) Straszewski, Julie (Brian) Straszewski Wooldridge, Mike (the late Debbie), Dennis (Patty), Larry, Jeff (Virginia), Curt, and Dale Vilkoski and Robin Fields. Wonderful Great-Aunt to Samantha, Jessica (TJ), Zach, Emma, Hope, Faith, Andrew, Natalie, Alex, Carter, Smith, Angie, Shelly, Eric, David, Vinny, Jason, Kelly, Keri, Katie, Joe, Justin, Jacob, Ryan, Steve, Rob and Tina. Playful Great Great-Aunt to Izzy, Aubrey and Mason. Also survived by her sweet canine companion, Holly, and many, many friends. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Sophie (Nowicki) Straszewski, her favorite Polacks, brothers John and Robert Straszewski, her dear sister-in-law, Sara, and her nephew, BJ.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, Brown Deer, Wisconsin, Friday, January 27, 2017 at 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Visitation continues at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 8661 North 76th Place Milwaukee, Saturday, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Barb’s memory to St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church appreciated.

Barb was born July 31, 1938 and was a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, working many years at the phone company. Her life was full of simple pleasures: gardening, staying active, walking her dog, lending a hand at church, but her impact was far from simple. As gracious caregiver to her husband, brothers and anyone who needed extra help, she showed compassion, patience and selflessness. She was a favorite of the kids, playing “ring around the rosie,” and falling down to the delightful squeals of her playmates. She lined her pockets with dog treats, always ready to share the love with her furry friends. Somehow, she managed to balance the happenings of everyone else, checking in with a friendly phone call and sincere “How you doing, kid?” Independent, self-sufficient and unendingly accepting, she embraced her place in life. To say Aunt Barb was a sweet ray of sunshine doesn’t seem to fully capture her strength, her deep compassion, her faith and her endless positivity. She’d remind many of us that “It’s nice to be nice to the nice.” Indeed, she was, and so much more.