Barbara J. Zacher

Barbara J. Zacher passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Forest Haven Residential Facility in Fredonia on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

Barbara was born on July 28, 1934, in Pewaukee, WI, to the late Francis and LaVerne (nee Livingston) Carriveau. Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, strength, and faith.

Barbara was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Her kindness, generosity, and warm spirit touched all who knew her. Her true joy in life was her family.

On November 13, 1954, Barbara married the love of her life, Harvey Zacher, beginning a beautiful journey over 60 years. Together, they created a life filled with cherished memories, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Over the years, they were blessed with three wonderful children, Tod, Tracy, and Teri, who brought them endless joy and pride. Barbara and Harvey’s love was the foundation of their family, a love that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those they raised together.

Barbara graduated from Grafton High School in 1952 and worked at Power Products before dedicating many years of service to the Grafton State Bank.

Throughout her life, Barbara’s creativity and passions flourished. She deeply loved music and spent many joyful hours playing the organ. Her artistic talents also shone through in her painting and drawing, each piece reflecting her unique spirit.

A true animal lover, Barbara cared for 11 cats and dogs over the years, forming bonds with each one. She shared a particularly special connection with her beloved feline companion, Zelda, who stood by her side until the very end.

Barbara is survived by her children Tod (Kathy) Zacher and Tracy (Bill) Johannes; her grandchildren Meghan (Liam) Vance, Michelle (Zach) Schulenburg, Nikolina (Michael) Villarreal, Maddie (Joe) Schueller, and Noah (Morgan) Johannes; and her great-grandchildren Riley, Lettie, Ollie, Evelyn, Jonathan, and Alfie, as well as her brother Lon (Jane) Carriveau.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harvey, her daughter Teri Zacher, her great-grandson Zayden Villarreal, her sister Donna Maechtle, and her parents, Francis and LaVerne Carriveau.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton, with Fr. Steve Lampe presiding. Barbara will be in state on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM at the church. She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Grafton, next to her loving husband, Harvey, and her beloved daughter, Teri. In lieu of flowers, memorials of your choice are appreciated.

The family would especially like to thank the entire staff at Forest Haven as well as Allay Hospice, for all of their wonderful and loving care.

Barbara’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her, and she will be deeply missed. Her love, laughter, and kindness will forever be remembered.