Barbara L Elleson

Barbara "Barb" (Ische) Elleson, 87, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on June 5, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Barb was the daughter of the late Roy and Hazel Ische. She graduated from Rufus King High School and then attended Ripon College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education, and began a lifelong commitment to education, learning, and helping others reach their potential.

Barb devoted much of her professional life to teaching elementary school, primarily kindergarten, in the Elmbrook and Wauwatosa school districts. She was an exceptional and dedicated educator who made a lasting difference in the lives of countless young children. Her patience, encouragement, high expectations, and genuine interest in her students helped provide a strong foundation for their futures.

Barb believed in taking pride in one's efforts, being well-prepared, and always striving to do things well. She instilled these values in both her students and her family, encouraging them to work hard and take personal responsibility.

Those principles became an enduring part of the values she passed along to her family. Above all, Barb was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She took tremendous pride in her two sons, Tom and Gregg, and in the families they built. She encouraged her sons to pursue their goals, supported them throughout their lives, and helped establish their strong values and work ethic. She cherished her nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Barb had many interests that reflected her creativity, attention to detail, and love of family. She enjoyed baking, making rugs, and collecting antiques with her husband, Jim. Her homemade chocolate chip cookies were legendary within the family. Packages of those delicious cookies regularly arrived in the mail, always accompanied by a card bearing a handwritten note. They were eagerly anticipated and treasured by those lucky enough to receive them—a small but memorable expression of her love and thoughtfulness.

Barb was also blessed with lifelong friendships, including several that began during her own kindergarten years. She treasured these relationships and maintained close connections with friends over many decades.

Barb took a sincere interest in others, asking thoughtful questions and remembering the details of their lives, often following up on those conversations months or even years later. Strong-willed and guided by a deep sense of right and wrong, Barb stood firmly by her principles and consistently sought to do what she believed was right.

Barb and her husband, Jim, shared 37 years of marriage before his passing in January 2026. They spent much of their lives in the Brookfield and Oconomowoc areas and especially enjoyed their time at their cabin on Pickerel Lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The cabin provided a wonderful setting for relaxation, family gatherings, and lasting memories.

A Lasting Legacy

Barb lived a life centered on family, education, friendship, and doing things well. Her legacy lives on not only in the many students whose lives she touched, but also in the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who carry forward the values she taught them.

Perhaps Barb's greatest legacy is reflected in the simple advice she gave so often: "Do your very best work." Her family will carry those words, and the example she set, for generations to come. Family

Barb is survived by her two sons, Tom (Michelle) and Gregg, and her stepchildren, Jim (Kay) and Jaya (Fritz).

She is also survived by nine grandchildren - David (Renee), Katie (Clayton), Tommy (EJ), Mikey (Morgan), Sarah, Danny, Megan (Blake), Marissa (Trace), and Mackenzie (Jack), and her seven great-grandchildren - Leighton, Bryn, Layne, Emma, Rylee, Reese, and Bracken.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Elleson; her parents, Roy and Hazel Ische; her sister, Marna Jahntz; and her former husband and father of her sons, Tom Groechel Sr.

Funeral Services

A celebration of Barb's life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Wisconsin Memorial Park, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. The visitation, memorial service, and reception will all be held in the Great Memorial Building (main building):

• Visitation: 12:30–1:30 p.m. – “The Lounge” in the Great Memorial Building

• Memorial Service: 1:30 p.m. – “Little Chapel of Flowers” in the Great Memorial Building

• Graveside Gathering: 2:00 p.m.

• Reception: “The Lounge” of the Great Memorial Building, immediately following the graveside gathering at Wisconsin Memorial Park.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share in remembering Barb's life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kalmar Community Center (PO Box 817, Eagle River, WI 54521), or the Northwoods Land Trust (www.northwoodslandtrust.org), both located in Eagle River,

Wisconsin, in recognition of Barb and Jim's love for the northwoods, its natural beauty, and the community they enjoyed during their years on Pickerel Lake.