Barbara Lentz, a long-time resident of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 84. Barbara (Barb) was born on April 24, 1941, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to the late Henry and Marjorie (Krueger) Lentz. She was raised in Oshkosh with her older sister, Gretchen (Caballero) and younger brother, Richard (Rick) Lentz. From an early age, Barb had a lively spirit and knew how to balance fun, mischief, and studies. She also inherited her father’s love of cars, buying her first one – a red VW bug – when she was 19. Barb graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1959 and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in 1963 and later earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Barb dedicated her life to teaching and shaping the lives of children with special needs. She started teaching in 1963 at Madison School in Wauwatosa as a first-grade teacher and moved to Kettle Moraine School District in the early 1970s, where she taught at Wales Elementary School and was later promoted to Director of Special Education. Barb retired in1998 after serving the Kettle Moraine School District with distinction for more than 25 years. She was known for her strong passion and advocacy for children with special needs.

She approached her work with deep devotion, a great sense of humor, a high level of skill, and a love for children and learning. Barb’s laugh made those around her feel happiness, and she made a difference in all the lives she touched. Outside the classroom, Barb was an active member St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Pewaukee, Wisconsin for over 50 years. She dedicated her time and resources to church activities, ensured church members stayed connected to each other, and modeled what it means to be authentic, loving, and generous to all, including donating hundreds of hand- knit hats to children in need. After retirement, Barb enjoyed life as a snowbird, spending the winter months in Mesa, Arizona. She loved the sunshine, swimming, spending time with local family, hunting through local thrift stores with visiting nieces, meeting new people who became lifelong friends, playing bridge daily and on occasion, penny or nickel slot machines, and knitting clever things, including mini beaded purse necklaces she gave to family and friends. Barb also loved to frequent the Mesa Flea Market, always hunting for fun gifts to give to friends and family for birthdays and Christmas. It was rare to find Barb without a pair of knitting needles, a set of playing cards, or a recipe card in her hands. Barb was known for her deep faith and commitment to her church, sharp wit, robust laugh, big smile, and numerous hobbies. She surrounded herself with many people she considered family – a church family, a relational family, geographic families (Wisconsin and Arizona), neighbors who were family, school family, and fellow knitters and bridge players (or aspiring players who wanted to learn from Barb). Her various families and all who knew her will miss her greatly and will hold her laugh and spirit in their hearts. Barbara is survived by her sister, Gretchen (Daniel) and brother, Rick (Beverly). Additionally, she took her role as aunt to 17 nieces and nephews very seriously and made an effort to connect with all of them throughout their lives. They are: William (Cynthia), Cathryn (Matthew), Andréa (Ernest), Michael (Karen), Richard, Christopher (Donna), Gregory (Lori), Nathan (Charla), Melissa (David), Benjamin (Kimberly), Leah (Loren), Aaron (Shannon), Andrew (Lindsey), Joel (Alica), Anna (Mark), Jessica (Rex), Sarah - and 53 great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cherished lifelong friend, Judith (Judy) Wood.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marjorie Lentz, and nephew, Richard (Ricky) Lentz. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookfield Elmbrook Hospital, 5th floor West, for the love, guidance, and support they provided during Barb’s stay. They are also deeply grateful to the staff and volunteers at Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc for the compassion, empathy, and loving care shown to Barb, friends and family during her brief time there. Barb’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, N27W24000 Paul Court, Pewaukee, WI, 53702. The family will greet guests beginning at 9:30 A.M. CST and the service will promptly start at 11:00 A.M. CST. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service in the parish hall. If you are interested in attending remotely, the service will be livestreamed here on this website (Click LIVESTREAM tab above). If you plan to attend her service in person or online, the family encourages you to wear vibrant colors and/or interesting patterns, which Barb loved and was part of her “signature look. ” Additionally, if she gave you a handmade necklace, we invite you to wear it in her honor. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Pewaukee are welcomed. Please note that the donation is for the Barbara Lentz Memorial Fund.