Barbara Ann Karcher

It brings us great sorrow to announce that Barbara Ann Karcher passed away on June 2nd, 2023 at the age of 69.

Barb was born to Hilda and Franklin Karcher at Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn, Wisconsin on June 26th, 1953. She grew up alongside her sister, Susan Jean Karcher, at their home in Linn Township, and graduated from Big Foot High school in 1971. She attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry in 1975, followed by a Ph.D. in physical chemistry at Iowa State University in 1981. She continued her academic and educational work, earning a Master’s Degree in computer science from Michigan State University in 1986. Sadly, depression and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis forced Barb to end her career early.

Barb loved to spend time with her friends and converse both in intellectual matters as well as casual topics. She had a brilliant mind and a keen interest in science, mathematics, and learning, which she carried throughout her life. She also had an artistic side, including a love of plays at the theater, which she often went to see with friends. Toward the end of her life, she developed a talent for painting, and created many excellent landscape and nature pieces.

Barb is predeceased by her mother, Hilda, her father, Franklin, and her sister, Susan. She is survived by her nephews and niece, Matthew, Brandon, and Sarah Gelvin, as well as several cousins who are still going strong, including Brian Karcher. Barb’s ashes will be scattered together with those of feline companion of many years, Pinky.

A celebration of Barb's life will be held on Saturday July 8th, 2023 from 11:00am till 1:00pm at Linn Presbyterian Church, W3335 Willow Road Lake Geneva, WI, 53147.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Barb's family.