Barbara Jean Bednar

Barbara Jean Bednar, age 87, passed away peacefully with her family at her side Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. She was born in Racine, WI, August 25, 1938, daughter of the late Samuel and Louise (Nee: Itzenhuiser) Brisko.

On June 14, 1958, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church she was united in marriage to Donald C. Bednar and they were married for 60 years when Don passed away May 10, 2019. Barbara was employed by the Racine Sherriff’s Department working as a cook in the County Jail for 32 years retiring in 2004. Her passion was taking care of her family and friends. Her pastimes included playing the machines at Dickies Bar, Potawatomi, other local casinos, bingo, going to restaurants, arts and crafts, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, feeding the squirrels, watching American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, and decorating her Christmas Tree. Barbara was an Elvis fan, Fats Dominio fan and 50’s 60’s fan. She will be remembered for keeping family close and as one who always had a helping hand when needed. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her daughter, Sherrie Collins (William Wishau); grandson Patrick Collins; god children, Anthony Suiter, Kevin Mann, Keith Mann; in-laws, Jeaneen Brisko, Selma Bednar; nephew, Randy (Cindy) Saavedra; lifelong friends, Jerry and Dorothy Mann; nieces, nephews, other relatives, dear friends and her cat, Bubba. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy (Mike) Saavedra; her brother, Samuel Brisko Jr.; goddaughter, Barbara Suiter; and dear friend, Kaye Mann.

A Memorial service will be held at the funeral home Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 12:30 pm with Reverend Laura Fladten officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family prior to the service 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Interment will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Dover, WI.