Barbara Jean "Barb" Petroske (Gollnick)

On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Barbara Jean Petroske departed from her temporary home here on Earth.
After three years of surviving various ailments and setbacks, she is now prepared for her perfect paradise in heaven where she will be reunited with her “hun” and many other loved ones.

Barb was born to an immensely proud father, William Gollnick, and his bride Arlene, on April 27, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. Barb was one of 4 children and is survived by her siblings Chuck, Debbie, and Gloria.
Growing up, her family of 6 enjoyed road trips together, traveling to many of the states, and after graduating from Steinmetz High School in Chicago in 1975, Barb took a trip to Hawaii with her brother and fulfilled her dream to visit Jamaica with their cousin Echo.

In 1976, Barb got engaged to Jay Bryan Petroske, and on the 26th of June in 1980, they were happily married and in love. For 37 years her smile never faded. In 1984 Barb and Jay welcomed a daughter, Julie, and four years later they had their son, Justin. Barb would tell others that everything precious in her life landed on a leap year.

Their family spent every weekend they could “gettin’ away” in Red Granite Wisconsin. At the family summer cottage spending quality time with family and friends, fishin’ for bullheads and bluegills, turkey hunting, swimming, boating, jammin’ to tunes, & cookin’ out, was what brought Barb lasting memories and true happiness.

Barb was a hard-working machinist making piston rings for the same employer for over 33 years; starting when it was Muskegon Piston Ring, then AE Goetze, and retiring when it was Federal- Mogul. It was there that she met many of her lifelong friends.

Barb had a green thumb and not only loved tending to her family and friends but also loved her garden of unique indoor plants. As a “mom” to many, Barb always opened her heart and her door, baking delicious meals to share and giving support to those in need. She was a trusted source for advice and had a mindful ear for listening to others. When she wasn’t cozy at home with her “fur-babies,” Spirit and Tango, Barb’s favorite pastimes were spent playing with her granddaughters, Wren and Willa, taking on challengers at “Acey-Ducey” with family and friends, or visiting her lifelong girlfriend at the Prairie River Ranch. As a mother, grandmother, and loving friend, Barb will be forever loved and missed. That incredible hot air balloon patiently awaits to bring us back together again with you mom and our Lord Jesus Christ. -

Barb was welcomed into Heaven’s gate by her parents; the love of her life Jay; and many other family members and friends.

She leaves her daughter Julie (Quentin); son Justin (Brittney); grand-daughters, Wren and Willa; siblings, Chuck, Debbie and Gloria; mother-in-law, Arlette; step-mother-in-law, Gertrude Petroske; as well as many other family and special friends to carry on her memory.

Family and friends may go to www.bestefh.com to leave words of remembrance and online condolences.

A memorial service will be held at Homestead 162765 WI-52 Wausau WI at 11:00 Saturday November 13th, 2021. Visitation will take place from 10:00 am until the time of services at Homestead.