Barbara Lueck

Barbara Ann Lueck died peacefully at Theda Clark Medical Center on Thursday evening, August 14, 2008 after a long period of ill health. She died while listening to a recording of her most beloved singer, Thomas Hampson.

Barb was born March 26, 1938, to Lola and Carleton Lueck of Ripon. She attended public schools in Ripon, and graduated from Ripon College in 1960. She received a Masters in Library Science from the UW-Platteville. Until her mother's death, Barb divided her time between Ripon and Oshkosh. Barbara was known by many in Oshkosh through her years of service as the reference librarian at the Oshkosh Public Library. Others knew her as secretary for eight years in the Office of the Registrar at Ripon College, her alma mater. Barbara was also well known in both Oshkosh and Ripon through her years of support for several performing organizations, including the Oshkosh Symphony and Chamber Singers, the Grand Opera House, Friends of Opera in Oshkosh, the Chamber Music Series at Ripon College, and the Green Lake Festival of Music. For many years, Barb and her mother Lola attended many concerts at Ripon College and the Green Lake Festival. She was also a collector of music, ornaments, books, and other items related to Christmas, and for a number of years gave several presentations of her collection to numerous organizations in Ripon and Oshkosh. Barb was a member of the First Congregational Church in Oshkosh.

She is survived by her brother, John, and his wife Barbara, of Fort Collins, Colorado, as well as a nephew William, of Monument, Colorado, and niece Elizabeth, of Fruita, Colorado. Her family wishes to thank the staffs at Theda Clark, Aurora Medical Center, Park View and Vallhaven Care Centers, as well as the many devoted caregivers from the Valley VNA, Oshkosh Family, Inc. and Winnebago County Social Services for their care and invaluable help. The family also wishes to thank Pastors Ralph and Carol DiBiasio-Snyder, Dr. Matthew Fischer, Judy Russell, Barb Rothenbach, and especially Gail Dobish, all of whom gave support and comfort to Barb when her family was not able to be with her. In later years, Barb became an avid fan of classical and opera singer Thomas Hampson and, not only listened endlessly to his recordings, but became a member of his fan club, enjoying some travel to his performances in the United States as her health and finances allowed. The interest in and support of his career gave her countless hours of joy.

Memorial services will be held some time this fall. Memorial gifts could be offered to the Music Department at Ripon College or the First Congregational Church, Oshkosh to be used to further their music ministry, including the First Tuesdays at First Congregational Concert Series, of which Barb was such a fan.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home is Assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com