Barbara Lee Essig, 90 of Elkhorn, died Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Ridgestone Gardens in Elkhorn.
She was born Sept. 15, 1929 in Elgin, Ill., to the late Leo and Elsie (Spiegler) Leitner. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1947, third in a class of 400, and went on to graduate Cum Laude from Beloit College in 1951. She also graduated from Moser Business School in Chicago in 1951.
Barbara was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Elkhorn, serving over 30 years on the administrative council and was the financial secretary. She sang in school and church choirs and chorales for more than 60 years. Barbara attended Geneva Lakes Christian Women’s Club, was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Elkhorn Food Pantry for 12 years, and volunteered at Lakeland Health Care Center. She was also a Green Bay Packer fan.
Barbara had a very active life, enjoyed the social atmosphere of eating out especially at Vasili’s Corner Café in Elkhorn, and belonged to several breakfast and birthday clubs, many lunch groups and an evening dinner group. She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. Barbara smiled a lot, had a positive attitude and liked to help others. She liked to tell jokes, had a good sense of humor and enjoyed being with people, as she was a real people person.
She is survived by her sons, Charles “Chip” (Mary Beth) Essig of Carol Stream, Ill. and Thomas Manley of Woodstock, Ill.; a brother, Richard Leitner of Rice Lake; three grandchildren, Kurtis (Bre) Lawrence of Oakland, Alaska, Jessica (Kris) Piccolo of Highwood, Ill., and Kelly (Alberto Ayala) Essig of Carol Stream, Ill.; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a niece, Janet Krahenbuhl; and many friends and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles “Chuck” in 1980; her daughter, Patricia Lawrence; two sisters-in-law; and a niece.
To honor her wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. Following cremation, there will be a private family graveside service at Acacia Park Cemetery in Chicago.
Memorials may be made in Barbara’s name to: Bethel United Methodist Church, W5110 County Rd. A, Elkhorn, WI, 53121, or a charity of choice. For the online guest book visit haaselockwoodfhs.com.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the Essig family.
A special thank you to Barbara’s family, friends and the members and friends of Bethel United Methodist Church, all who helped her so much during her very difficult circumstances.
