Joan G. Barker, 95, died Friday, January 6, 2023, while under Hospice
care in Brooksville, FL. Joan was born on April 4, 1927, at her parents’
home on Harrison Street in Barrington, IL. She was the only child
of Elden George Gieske and Adelheid Steiner Gieske. Joan attended
Barrington Grade School and High School and earned a bachelor’s
degree in Primary Education from the University of Northwestern.
She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and while at
Northwestern she met classmate Kenneth Barker, whom she later
married on December 29, 1950. Joan began her teaching career in
Des Plaines, IL and continued at Randall Grade School in Bassett,
WI shortly after she and Kenneth moved from Chicago to a farm east
of Genoa City, WI. It was on this farm where Joan and Kenneth raised 3
children. The family were long-time members of the First Congregational
Church, UCC, in Genoa City. After retiring from teaching, she and Kenneth moved to
Brooksville, FL. Based out of their retirement community, High Point, Joan and Kenneth
traveled to many US and international locations. At High Point, Joan was part of the
quilter’s club, the chorus club, the “Pantry Project”, and a first responder for the local fire
department. Joan was also known for her large holiday dinners she and friends provided
for dozens of High Point neighbors and friends.
A graveside celebration is being planned at Joan’s family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in
Barrington, IL, this summer.
Preceded in death by husband of 60 years, Kenneth K. Barker and succeeded by three
children: daughter Ann Lukin (Mike), son Kenneth K. Barker, Jr. (Carol), and son Glenn
G. Barker (Roxann).
Further survived by 5 grandchildren, Heidi Ernst (Delton), Bridget Swenson (Ted),
Olivia Lefo (Joseph), Madeline Barker, Dianna Barker; and 4 great-grandchildren, Logan
Ernst, Owen Ernst, Theodore Swenson, and Olive Swenson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, c/o High
Point Community Office, 8008 Baltic Street, Brooksville, FL 34613.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Genoa City is
honored to assist the Barker family. Online condolences at haaselockwoodfhs.com.
Robert A. Gray
Robert A. Gray was born in Pontiac, Michigan on August 17,
1947 and passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022. He lived
for the last 36 years in Florida, most in the Brooksville area. Robert
is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Robyn, sons Timothy
(wife Heather) and Matthew (wife Kelly), and 4 grandchildren. A
memorial service was held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00
AM at Faith Presbyterian Church in Brooksville. In lieu of flowers,
please make donations to Hernando Christian Academy (www.
hernandochristian.org).
Johnson, John William, passed away on Tuesday,
January 10, 2023. Src; Brewer
Colombo, Arlene M., passed away on Tuesday,
January 10, 2023. Src; Turner
Mayo, Donald R. III, passed away on Wednesday,
January 11, 2023. Src; Downing
Spillers, Rita S., age 77, of Hernando Beach,
passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.
She is survived by her husband John, daughter
Kelli (Steve) and 3 granddaughters. Visitation
will be 10-11AM Saturday, January 21, 2023
followed by a service at 11AM located at Turner
Funeral Home in Spring Hill. Committal
service will be 1:30PM located at Sylvan Abbey
Memorial Park 2853 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater.
Src; Turner
Dunham, Teresa, passed away on Thursday,
January 12, 2023. Src; Brewer
Ohrt, Leslie, passed away on Friday, January 13,
2023. Src; Brewer
Jones, Sabrina Sylvia, passed away on Saturday,
January 14, 2023. Src; Brewer
Brancaccio, Joseph, passed away on Sunday,
January 15, 2023. Src; Brewer
Lewis, Patricia C., passed away on Sunday,
January 15, 2023. Src; Brewer
Dimmitt, Melanie, passed away on Sunday,
January 15, 2023. Src; Turner
Hall, Christine Lynn, passed away on Monday,
January 16, 2023. Src; Brewer