Barbara E. Gantenbein

Barbara Evelyn (Benda) Gantenbein, age 85 of Green Bay, passed away in her sleep on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 at her nursing home residence.

Barbara was born on August 24, 1936 in Jackson, Minnesota to George and Evelyn Benda. She was the youngest of five children who grew up on 'Old Acres', a beautiful farm in southern Minnesota, close to the Iowa border.

After growing up a small town girl in Jackson, she later traveled north to St. Paul where she attended St. Catherine University. While up there she would meet and eventually marry Raymond Gantenbein and together raise 6 children. Her first two babies were born in Michigan, where her husband was finishing up schooling to become a teacher. They then moved to Green Bay, completed the family and raised them in a nice brick house on a double lot yard paradise a block from Astor park.

Along with the tough job of raising six kids, Barb looked for ways to bring in some extra income for the family by being a Tupperware representative. Going to conventions and earning a car were added bonuses. Barb also sold Shaklee products for a number of years.

But one of the main highlights of Barbara's life was that she was also an accomplished pianist. She used her talent to give piano lessons both at local piano studios as well as later at her home. She would play for anyone who asked not only for the enjoyment of family and friends but even after she moved to assisted living six years ago, she would often play for the fellow residents.

Barb also gave her time other ways having volunteered at St. John the Evangelist Church, nursing homes, and with Right to Life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Evelyn Benda; siblings Bonnie Vollmer, Farrell Berg and George Benda, Jr. and her daughter Mary Gantenbein.

Barb is survived by her sister Kay Waters, her children Ray (Lisa) Gantenbein Jr., Martin Gantenbein, Jane Gantenbein, Ann (Chris) Heintz, Sally (Gary) Jarmuskiewicz. Her grandchildren John Heintz, Tyler and Jacob Jarmuskiewicz, Barbara Ann Gantenbein (and great-grandson Conner), Jessie (Brenda) Carpenter and Sabrina Carpenter.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 24 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (427 St John St, Green Bay, WI 54301) from 9 am to 11 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am. She will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery.

A special thank you to the Crossroads Care Center staff for the compassion and care you have given Barbara, as well as your overall hero's work during these extremely tough times.