Barbara Halbach

Barbara A. Halbach, age 84, of Hilbert passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 13, 2021.  She was born June 5, 1937 in Chilton, daughter of the late Alvin & Malitta (Labitzke) Dohr.  She married Leander F. “Pete” Halbach on April 28, 1956 in Hilbert and the couple raised 7 children while tending to the family farm.  A little later in life, she met her significant other, David L. “Big Guy” Diedrich, with whom she spent her life with until his passing in 2009.

Barbara began working at Tecumseh Products in New Holstein, the Central House in Chilton, and eventually Chilton Metal Products where she remained for over 30 years until her retirement at the age of 62.

Barbara was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert and enjoyed tending to the flowers in her garden.  In her free time, she enjoyed watching the birds in her yard and the friendly squirrels and chipmunks that would pass through.  She made sure to keep a keen eye on her neighborhood to make sure everyone was safe and  was entertained by the simple pleasure of assembling puzzles.   Daily game shows on the television brought her relaxation and kept her mind active, knowing she knew the answers before the contestants.  Barbara considered herself an aficionado of Polka Music and looked forward to bus trips throughout the midwest to listen to live music shows.  Above all, Barbara cherished her family and loved every moment she could spend with her children and their families.

Survivors include her children: Karen Swonger, Charlene (Timothy) Giesen, Mary Lou Schumacher, Gary (Deann) Halbach, Kurt (Michele) Halbach, Daniel (Barbara) Halbach; a son-in-law: David (Julie) Bonlander; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; David Diedrich’s children: Diane (Ron) Keberlein, Daniel (Natalie) Diedrich; siblings: Diane Meyers, Mary Brantmeier, Alvin (Kim) Dohr, Jr., Sue (Dave) Lautenschlaeger; and a brother-in-law: Clancy Wolfinger.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; the father of her children: Leander F. “Pete” Halbach; her significant other: Dave Diedrich; her daughter: Lorraine Bonlander; her sisters: Judy (Arnie) Olp, Donna Wolfinger; and her brothers-in-law: Claude Meyers & Tom Brantmeier.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church (108 S. 6th St.) in Hilbert with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, June 18, 2021 and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 am until 10:45 am.  

The family would like to extend their grateful thanks to the Calumet County Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care and compassion that was given to Barbara and her entire family during this time.  

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Barbara A. Halbach for the American Heart Association.