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APPLETON, Wis. -- Barbara Louise (Molnar) Kane of Appleton, Wis., and her summer residence in Goodman/Armstrong Creek, Wis., passed from this life to greater rewards in Heaven on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at 81 years of life. Barb fought a courageous, long battle with Parkinson's disease.
The youngest of four girls born to parents Julius (June Bug) and Julianne (Julia Torok) Molnar in Toledo, Ohio, Barbara spent her teenage years and early adult life in Bradner, Ohio. She graduated from Lakota High School in Burgoon, Ohio, in June of 1962. She continued her education and graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Toledo in June of 1965 as a registered nurse.
Barb exchanged wedding vows with her husband of 60 years, Melvin R. "Mel" Kane, on June 4, 1966, at Saint Michaels Catholic Church in Gibsonburg, Ohio.
Besides her early years in Bradner, she also resided in Waterville, Ohio; Munising, Iron Mountain and Norway; and Appleton and Goodman. She worked in various nursing medical disciplines, including the hospital floor, a family practice doctor's office, and industrial, supervisory, administrative and management duties at various times and locations during her working career. Barb also worked as a dental assistant while residing in Upper Michigan.
Barb loved life and all it had to offer. She loved and devoted herself to her family and community service wherever she lived, including the Scouts (boy and girl), 4-H, and Parent Teacher Associations. She also served as treasurer on the board of directors of our cabin's local lake association for several years.
Cooking and baking were almost second nature to Barb because of her upbringing and love of preparing culinary creations for family and friends. Holidays were super important to Barb, and she loved to prepare for and participate in these celebrations. Barb was an accomplished seamstress, sewing doll clothing and other hand-crafted items, marketing her creations in a small retail outlet and on-line.
Barb enjoyed gardening, especially nurturing her home grown flowers and plants. She also loved fishing, boating, golden retrievers, puzzles, playing cards and board games, sports (especially the Packers and Brewers), as well as attending her boys' sports and school activities and spending time with family and friends. She was always first to step up and help others. She could chat with friends and family for hours over coffee, and she especially enjoyed her early morning "sunrise" coffee with her dog on the dock, looking over the lake.
Barb is survived by her husband, Mel; and her children and grandchildren, Stephen (Amy) of South Boardman, Mich., Kevin (Brenda) and granddaughters Kylie and Lily of Chandler, Ariz., Sean of Appleton and grandchildren Kaity Hermes, Ryan and Bret.
Besides her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her, daughter-in-law, Gail (Bougie) Kane (Sean's spouse); sister, Joyce (Brickner); goddaughters, Kathy (Kimmet) Wolner and Stephenie (Foos) Scott.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Armstrong Creek, with a funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will be held in Barb's honor from noon to 3 p.m. at the nearby Armstrong Creek Community Center
Her ashes will be distributed per her wishes.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Barbara Louise (Molnar) Kane online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.