Obituary of Barbara Jean Wieczorek

Barbara Jean Wieczorek, 88, went to her heavenly home Thursday November 14, 2024. Funeral service will be Monday November 18 at 1:30pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stickney. Visitation will be Sunday November 17 from 4:00 to 6:00pm with a 5:30 pm prayer service at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Barb was born July 13, 1936 to Albert and Marian (Roberts) Artz on the family farm in rural Plankinton, SD. She was the 4th of her 7 siblings. Barbara was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stickney. She attended Pleasant Lake Township school and graduated from Stickney High School in 1954. 

Barb married Robert Wieczorek on January 30, 1958. After a two week honeymoon, they made their home on the farm welcoming five children, managing herds of livestock and tending the crops over their 63 years of marriage.

Barb lived a full and active life. She was a busy farm wife, a wonderful mother, a caretaker of cats and strays and an avid supporter at all her family’s events. Everyone knew her evening ritual on the 4-wheeler checking cattle. And she kept meticulous track of all the newborn calves.

God, church and prayer were always an important part of Barb’s life. She was a life long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church as were her parents and grandparents. She taught Sunday school, attended women’s Circle, helped at events and took her turn at bringing delicious baked goods to share. Her chocolate chip cookies were a family favorite.

Barb and Bob enjoyed attending their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s many activities. They kept the car packed and the gas tank full. Barb had an excellent memory. She could remember off the top of her head when anyones birthday was. She loved her family deeply and cherished time with each of them.

Grateful for sharing her life are her five children: Joel (Sheryl) Wieczorek of Mt. Vernon, SD; Michael (Brenda) Wieczorek of Bozeman, MT; Dennis (Julie) Wieczorek of Hartford, SD: Rodney (Maria) Wieczorek of Lucas, TX; and Pamela Wieczorek of Shakopee, MN. Nine grandchildren: Chad (Heather) Wieczorek; Kyle (Tara) Wieczorek, Jess (Lacey) Wieczorek; Colin (Abbey) Wieczorek; Nichole (Jason) Goodyear, Shelby (Daniel) Misner, Brook Wieczorek; Gabriel Wieczorek; and McKayla Wieczorek. Two step-grandchildren: Nikki (Maria) Vasquez and Rene (Bruno) Lopez. 13 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Mildred Niewenhuis, Kenneth (Sharon) Artz, Donna (Larry) Vruegdenhil and David Artz Sr; sister-in-law Grace Guenthner and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; siblings Edward Artz and Caroline Domke; brother-in-laws Wilfred Wieczorek, Clifford Guenthner, Alden Niewenhuis and Benjamin Domke.