Barbara Rose Dietz

Barbara Rose Dietz passed away peacefully March 16, 2018 at Clement Manor Nursing home n Milwaukee, Wi.

She was born in Baileys Harbor on October 6, 1928, the sixth child of Audrey Horak. Barbara lived in and around Baileys Harbor until they moved to Algoma. Barbara attended high school in Algoma. After graduation, she moved to Milwaukee and attended Cosmetology school. She worked as a Hair Dresser at Michael’s Hair Dressing Studio on 53rd and Center Street in Milwaukee. Giving many permanents and hair cuts she quickly became the manager. It was during this time she met George Dietz. They married October 20, 1950, and later were blessed with two children, Nancy and Susan.

Many happy years followed, with summer family travels and birthday parties. George was a butcher and store Manager at Halan’s Food Stores. Barbara was a Girl Scout leader, active in her neighborhood club, along with church and likely spent a lot of time ironing! Not long after they were married, it was discovered that George had Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia. He was sick on and off for eight years, often requiring hospital stays, until he passed away in 1964. Barbara was left a young widow at age 36, raising two children alone. There were some hard years, but she loved giving her girls the best she could, even working part time at The Grand clothing store on 89th and North. By the time Nancy and Susan left for college, Barbara decided she wanted to become a nurse and went to nursing school becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked many years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Milwaukee as a newborn nursery nurse, telling us many cute stories and taking care of some of our friends babies. She traveled with friends as much as she could, enjoyed her neighborhood friends in their monthly Block Club gatherings. She loved their Secret Pal gifts throughout the years. With all her friends, and family she enjoyed her life.

Barbara moved to Madison in 1995 to be closer to her three grandchildren. Everyone benefited from the help and experience she provided. She had a very deep love for all of her family, and always did what she could for them. Living in Madison she loved socializing with her apartment friends and volunteer experiences. When Barbara started experiencing more advanced symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, she moved to assisted living in Madison. In 2008 she moved to Clement Manor Nursing home in Milwaukee. She was very happy living there, making friends and enjoying all the activities especially the music programs and craft fairs. We are glad she was able to have such great care and experiences there, and know that she lived her life to the fullest as she could. We would like to Thank all the staff including the Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, nurses and caregivers from the Rose unit for their dedication and exceptional care.

Barbara was the beloved wife of the late George Dietz. She is survived by her daughters Nancy Kovacs and Susan (Tom) Gallagher, and her grandchildren. Visitation at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Flowers, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., on April 22, 2018, from 1:00 to 3:00PM. If you would like to make a donation, please do so in honor of Barbara Dietz to the Alzheimer’s association, or in honor of George Dietz to the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society.

Rest In Peace Mom, we love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.