Barbara Ann Wagner, age 86, of Tomahawk and Eagle River, Wis., unexpectedly passed to her heavenly home on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Wausau, Wis. She was born on June 15, 1938, in Eau Claire, Wis., to the late Neil Cunningham Powers and Gladys Ramberg Powers.
The second of six children, she and her family moved to the Milwaukee area where Barb graduated from Pulaski High School. She married Donald R. Wagner on Aug. 4, 1956, and they continued to live in Milwaukee where they welcomed five children. Barbara was a devoted homemaker who enjoyed summers up north in the Tomahawk area. In 1971, Barb and the children moved to their Nokomis property. She and Don remained friends, divorcing in 1986.
Barb loved living in the Northwoods. She took great pride in her work at Johnson Level and Tool as a puttier, crafting wood levels. She also tended bar on weekends for many years including at Louie’s Little Brown Jug, Terry’s Nessel Inn, and Wally’s Four Corners.
While doing laundry for her large family at the local DX Gas Station and Laundromat, there was a pool table where Barb learned to shoot. It became a lifelong passion. She shot on both the lady’s league and the men’s one-on-one and continued playing for fun until her death.
During her working years, she met her long-time partner, Tom Rothwell, and for more than 20 years, they made their home together in Bradley, blending two families. He passed away in 2008.
Barb was cherished by her family and well-regarded in the community. She has served as a former president of the Bronsted-Searl American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and carried the Legion flag in many Fourth of July parades. Barb also enjoyed being a part of many local leagues including bowling, pool, horseshoes, and golf. She was a regular in three leagues at Edgewater Golf Course.
During her retirement years, a new chapter opened when she met her partner, Bob Henderson. They were well-matched in their interests and loved to travel and play golf. They shared time between Tomahawk and Arizona until his death in 2019.
Barb spent considerable time with her daughter and family in Eagle River after Bob’s passing and, more recently, had been living there due to health issues. She remained social and formed many friendships there as well.
She was a most kind and accepting person, a generous and beloved mom, grandma, sister, and aunt who will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Barb is survived by her children, Donna Adams, of Eagle River, Wis., Michael (Wendy) Wagner, of Salem, Ohio, Cindy (Carl) Hildebran, of Casa Grande, Ariz., Donald Wagner Jr., of Tomah, WIis., and Lisa Friese, of Riverview, Fla.; her grandchildren, Sara (Steve) Olsen, Matthew Cummings, Katrina Wagner, Jeffrey (Jill) Kane, Jamie (James Steinke) Kane, Lindsay Wagner, Joshua Wagner, Nicholas (Mai) Friese, Allison Friese, and Julianna Friese. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild with a second expected in October. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, Richard Powers, of Waukesha, Wis.; and her sister, Jeannie Cooper, of Tucson, Ariz.; plus, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Donald Wagner; her former partners, Thomas Rothwell and Robert Henderson; her brother, David Powers; her sisters, Nyla Keeler and Karen Wittkowske; and her son-in-law, Dennis Burgy.
A celebration of Barb’s life will be planned for this summer.
