Barbara Jean McKeefry

Barbara Jean McKeefry, 71, of Pulaski, passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2024 at home from a heart condition. 

She was born on March 30, 1953 to Gordon and Marjorie (Peterman) Ainsworth at the Bonduel Clinic in Bonduel, WI. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1971 and lived in the Pulaski area her whole life. On October 6, 1978, she married Charles McKeefry at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lessor, WI. The two loved their time bowling together, as they had met at a bowling alley and passed that love on to their kids. The kids even met their spouses at bowling alleys as well. 

She dedicated her life to the community through 30 years of service on the Pulaski school board, many years with Shawano County 4-H organization, and was actively involved with the Shawano County Fair and Shawano Speedway. When her children were in 4H, she would assist them with their projects and was the superintendent of the Rabbit and Poultry Barn. She also worked for the Township of Angelica with elections and on the Zoning Committee.

She worked her whole life as a manager and entrepreneur at various area businesses. She owned her own greenhouse, Barb's Bloomers, and a consignment store for many years in Bonduel. She was active in the Pulaski and Shawano Chambers of Commerce, always advocating for the betterment of businesses. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. Family meant a lot to her, she never missed any of her family's birthdays and loved her sisters trips. 

She loved history and was a supporter of education. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of plants. When she wasn't busy with community activities and family, she spend time on her computer on social media or even helping with Shawano speedway website.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Charles; two children: Kristin (Clint) WhiteHorse and Gregery (Katlyn) McKeefry; grandchildren: Brooklyn and Bailey WhiteHorse; sisters: Deb (Brian) Schneider, Sandra Swietlik, Terri (Kevin) Ferfecki and Diane (Gary) Przybylski; and many nieces, nephews and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Connie Swiecichowski and her in-laws Inez (Reschke) and Cyril McKeefry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at NEW Life Church, Pulaski on August 4 from 3-7pm with Words of Comfort at 5pm.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up for future scholarship(s) in her honor.

To share a memory of Barbara or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.