December 22, 2021 – Kewaskum, WI – Bernard K. “Barney” Strobel, 96, of Kewaskum went to his heavenly home on Monday, December 20, 2021, at Froedtert Hospital, West Bend.
He was born on December 5, 1925, in St. Kilian, on the farm. The son of the late Raymond and Hildegard (nee German) Strobel. Barney’s first job was at Theresa Baker Canning Co. at the age of 15. Barney honorably served in the United States Army from 1945-1947, during World War II.
Barney and Alice (nee Straub) were united in marriage at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Campbellsport on September 3, 1949. Barney and Alice had four children: Mary, Mike, John (Squeak) & Shelley. After Alice passed away on April 25, 1974, Barney continued to run the business that he and Alice established in 1949 – Barney’s Bar & Hall in beautiful downtown Wayne. On November 1, 1986, he married Joan Sterr at Hon-E-Kor in Kewaskum. He continued to run the tavern until retirement in 1989. Joan preceded Barney in death on October 9, 2015.
Over the years, Barney made many great friends and memories with his tavern customers. He served as President of the Washington County Tavern League from 1977-1987. In his younger years he loved to bowl at Red Cliff Bowl in Allenton and King Pin Lanes in Campbellsport, often participating in many ABC National Tournaments. After retirement, Barney continued to tend bar at Prime Time, K-Town & 5th Quarter, in Kewaskum until the age of 90.
He also enjoyed working with Wilmer Hildendorf in the 90’s as an auctioneer and then Jimmy Cotter Auctions. For many years he was the auctioneer at Holy Trinity Social Fest. He was a member of the American Legion Post #384, serving on The Honor Guard for many years. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights of St. Kilian; Branch 113, and a member of the Kewaskum Sno-Chiefs Snowmobile Club, riding his sled into his late 70’s. He was a current member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kewaskum, and previous member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. Fond memories were made with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.
Those Barney leaves behind to cherish his memory include four children, Mary (Jim) Gutjahr of the Town of Addison, Michael Strobel of Kewaskum, John “Squeak” (Jodi) Strobel of Kewaskum, and Shelley (Todd) Bartelt of the Town of West Bend. Four stepchildren Susan (Alfredo) Kleppin Lopez of Madison, Cindy (Fred) Mollwitz of Mequon, Mike (Denice) Sterr and Larry Sterr of West Bend; and a sister Jeanette Eisenhaut of Fond du Lac. Also, Brother-in- laws, Paul Bodden of Kewaskum,and Larry (Nancy) Cotter of West Bend, Sister-in- laws Susie (Thomas) Guth of Kewaskum, and Sally Fellenz of West Bend.
He was Grandpa Barney to Kevin (Laurel), Kim (Buddy), Jenny (Joe), Jason (Karen), Jessie (Chris), Jenna, Jill (Scott), Jacki (Brad), Tyler (Lindsey), Dylan (Jenna), Alex (Kyle), Mikenna, Katy, Dustin (Laura), Andrew and Jacob.
Great Grandpa to Michala, Ethan, Brady, Joey, Macy, Grady, Declan, Dawson, Maya, Mason, Tate, Easton, Riley, Everleigh, Pierson, Skyler, and Nova. These were all of his “snappers and chickadees”.
In addition to his parents and wives, Barney was preceded in death by two brothers, Lester Strobel, and Raymond Jr.: daughter-in-law, Jane (Theusch) Strobel. Many Brothers-in-laws and Sisters -in-laws; Tom Eisenhaut, Lorraine Strobel, Val Strobel, Sally and Don Funk, Irene & Alvin Wietor, Rose & Clarence Schmidt, Esther & Leo Nigh, Alvin & Valarie Straub, Norman & Lois Straub, Bernice & William Volland, Bernard Straub, Bernadine Bodden, James Cotter, Chuckie Fellenz, Colette (Bernie) Kastner.
In lieu of flowers please honor Barney’s memory by; buying a Badger 5 lottery ticket, make a rack of ribs, have a shot of blackberry brandy (must be Leroux), play Ship Captain Crew, sign in at 5th Quarter or Swedes, watch the Price is Right, take a day trip to North Star Casino in Bowler, bet 12 and 5 on the roulette wheel, cheer on the Brewers, enjoy a fish fry at CC’s, play bingo at the Curve Inn, shop the Pig, listen to Syl Groeschel music, eat a windmill cookie, take a nap, or tell someone, Mach’s gut!, Auf Wiedersehen! Schick dich!
Click HERE for a tidbit of history when Barney celebrated his 96th birthday
A private family service will be held. Reverend Jacob Strand will officiate.
The family would like to thank Rev. Jacob Strand and Horizon Hospice Nurses for their wonderful support at this time.
A life, so beautiful, deserves a special celebration. You are invited to help us honor the life of our dad, Barney. Leave your sadness at the door, but rather bring your stories, your laughs, and your happiness over a life that was lived to the fullest.
The celebration will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at The Columbian (3245 Lighthouse Lane, West Bend, WI 53090). To help with preparations, we ask that you let us know if you plan to come to this celebratory occasion at 262-232-3789 or jimmgutjahr@yahoo.com by January 24, 2022.
The Myrhum-Patten Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Barney’s arrangements.
Barney & Joan drove us in our wedding in 1985, we remember it like it was just yesterday, what a blast, great time, laughs, and great fun, we will be married 37 yrs in 2022, we often talk about what an inspiration him & Joan were to drive for us, he always said don’t take an argument to sleep with you at night, take a little break and work it out, ha,ha. Those words are true to this day. Miss you Barney, thanks for the greatest of memories. Jeffrey& Judy Faber.