Barbara Anne Markham

Barbara Anne Markham, nee Rimkus, of Jackson, WI, formerly of Cedarburg, WI, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, November 12, 2016 after an extended battle with lung disease. She was very blessed to share her last days with her devoted husband George of 56 years, all five of her children and many of her 11 grandchildren at her side sharing laughter, love & lots of stories from her eventful 76 years. Barbara was born February 13, 1940 to Frank J. and Helen (Krause) Rimkus in Sheboygan where she grew up with her two brothers Mike and Frank Jr. Barbara graduated from Sheboygan’s Central High School in 1958. On a blind date in the fall of 1959, she met a tall, handsome basketball player named George who fell in love with her at first sight when he picked her up at the UW-Madison bus station. Luckily, she fell deeply in love with him, too. They married in Sheboygan on October 22, 1960 and began their wonderful journey together. George’s career moved them to Iowa (where their children were born), Florida, Illinois, and finally to Wisconsin, where they settled in Cedarburg in 1976. Through life’s many changes & challenges, one thing remained constant—her faith and devotion to her Lord and Savior which kept her active in the church and shone through everything she did, including her caring and compassionate work as a volunteer and in-home caretaker. Barbara was ever proud of and dedicated to her five children who all survive her: Linda (Timothy) Canning, Wendy (Charles) Hirsch, Michael (Delia) Markham, Clint Markham and Rick (Sarah) Markham. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren (Daniel, Christine, Carl, Matthew, Rachel, Michelle, Nathan, Elizabeth, Tyler, Cooper and Griffin) and one great-grandchild (Peter), all of whom love, cherish and adore her as much as she did them. She is also survived by her brothers Michael (MaryJo) Rimkus and Frank Rimkus, Jr.; dear sister-in-law Ruth (Markham) Herlache; many nieces, nephews and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Rev. Melvin Herlache. It was Barb’s wish to have a colorful celebration so guests are asked to dress bright & cheerfully for the funeral this Thursday, November 17 at 6:00PM at Faith Lutheran Church, N35 W6621 Wilson Ave., Cedarburg, WI. Visitation will be held at the church from 4:30PM – 5:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Lung Association, Faith Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice are appreciated. To donate to American Lung Association, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ALA-BarbMarkham