Barbara "Barb" Boberg Stevenson

Barbara “Barb” Boberg Stevenson lived a remarkable life rooted in family, faith, learning, and community. Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Edwin J. and Hazel Boberg, Barb was the youngest of two children and remained proud of her Eau Claire roots throughout her life. Her father, a local pharmacist, sparked in her a lifelong love of learning and modeled the importance of serving one’s community—values Barb carried with her and passed down to the generations that followed. After graduating from high school, Barb attended the University of Wisconsin, where her love for learning and community deepened. A proud sister of Gamma Phi Beta, she formed lifelong friendships and loved being a Badger. She remained a devoted Wisconsin booster her entire life and shared that spirit with her family. After graduating cum laude with a degree in finance, Barb moved to Chicago and began her career with Northern Trust. It was there that she met the love of her life, John Stevenson. They married in 1953 and built a storybook life together, raising three children in Racine. In Racine, Barb’s family roots grew deep once again, and so did her commitment to the community. She was active in many organizations, most notably P.E.O., a nonprofit dedicated to helping women pursue educational goals. She was also a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Racine for nearly 60 years, volunteering for countless community activities and events. Barb gave generously of her time through Meals on Wheels and cherished the friendships and fellowship she found in the Taco Belles, a community group for seniors who met on Tuesday nights at the Chartroom.

Barb’s love for life was undeniable. Whether she was on the golf course, playing bridge at Meadowbrook or Racine Country Club, welcoming friends and family for dinner in her home, greeting someone at church, or striking up a conversation at the grocery store, Barb brought warmth, wit, and joy wherever she went. Her sharp mind, quick humor, and generous spirit made ordinary moments memorable and filled the lives of those around her with laughter and love. As the matriarch of her family, she led with grace, curiosity, and devotion, leaving behind a legacy measured not only in years, but in the countless lives she touched.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her beloved husband, John. She is survived by her children, Sue Ellen (Mark) Rendall, John (Betsy) Stevenson, and Laurie (Uday) Kabe; her grandchildren, Jeb (Kate) Rendall, Alissa (Richard) Carey, Tim Rendall, Callie Rendall, Ben (Lyssa) Kabe, Chad Kabe, Tessa Kabe, and Cassidy (Andrew) Spencer; and her great-grandchildren, Margot, Shepard, Brooks, Griffin, and Jackson. Further survived by nieces Janet Boberg and Donna Feller and nephew Peter Hopkins.

Funeral services celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave., with Rev. Darren Utley officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation, at the funeral home, from 4:00 until 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. There also will be a Visitation on Thursday at 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Private interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barb’s honor to First Presbyterian Church of Racine or P.E.O.