Barbara J. Braspennickx

She was born on Nov. 21, 1941, in Laona, Wis., daughter of the late Chester and Beatrice (Lillvick) Sturm.

Barbara graduated from Kingsford High School in 1959 and pursued her passion for education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. She later obtained her master’s in library science from CMU.

On July 10, 1965, she married Robert Braspennickx at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford, and the couple settled in Norway in 1976. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.

A dedicated educator, Barbara taught business at Kingsford High School for many years before transitioning to the role of librarian at the same school, where she shared her love of learning until her retirement in 2002.

Barbara was an avid reader, especially her passion for “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. She enjoyed her bus trips to the casino with her friends and playing poker for many years with the poker group. Above all, was her love for her children and grandchildren, where she would travel to the many grandchild events and supported them like only a Grandma can do.

Her warmth, intelligence, and zest for life left a lasting impact on those who knew her. She had a wonderful heart and soul and was always there for those who needed it.

She is survived by her son, Kevin (Maribeth) Braspennickx of Green Bay, Wis.; her daughter, Kerry Bengtson (boyfriend Kirk) of Norway; four grandchildren, Bryce (Kearsten) Braspennickx of Neenah, Wis., McKenna Braspennickx of Green Bay, Paeyton Bengtson (boyfriend Tanner) of Green Bay and Tyler Bengtson (fiancée Maggy) of Kingsford; one great-grandson, Jaxson Bengtson; her brother, Gary Sturm of Kingsford; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Barb Partenen of Kingsford; nephews Chris (Susan) Sturm of Kingsford and Gary Sturm (girlfriend Ginger) of Menominee; and nieces Vicky (Brad) Williams of Green Bay and Alison Partenen of Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her infant daughter, Cammie; and her sister-in-law, Lois Sturm.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home. Father Joseph Gouin will officiate. Private burial will follow at Norway Township Cemetery.

Condolences to the family of Barb Braspennickx may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.