Barbara Kohnke

Madison - Barbara Jean Kohnke, age 71, of Madison, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017 in her home after a long illness.

She was born October 4, 1945 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the daughter of Maurie and Patricia (Whelihan) Hanson. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, attended classes at UW Eau Claire, and graduated from Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin earning a degree in Marketing - Fashion Merchandising. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dog, Teddy. She was an avid reader and enjoyed art, music, bible study, crossword puzzles, brain teasers, recently took up crocheting, various board and computer games and most of all spending time with her family. She was a very gentle soul who handled all situations with grace. She was smart, laughed often and easily with a great sense of humor. Barb was someone who never asked for much and was very modest and the kindest person you would ever meet. She surely will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Barb is survived by her two daughters, Joelle (Terry) Liebenow of Mayville and Jamie Wright of Madison; one son, Peter (Jenny) Shipley of Waupun; three granddaughters, Alyssa Liebenow, Leah and Kara Shipley; one grandson, Avery Wright; a brother Hans (Georgia) Hanson of Suisun City, CA; two sisters, Kim Roth of Fox Point and Karin (Chuck) France of Sycamore, IL; ex-sister-in-law Cheryl Ross of Waupun and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Jeffrey Carl Hanson; and two ex-husbands, Glenn Thomas Shipley and Jerry Kohnke.

A celebration of life gathering will be held Sunday, May 28, 2017 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704. A meal will be offered following the service at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Barbara Kohnke Memorial Fund, c/o Summit Credit Union, PO Box 8046, Madison, WI 53708-8046. Phone number if needed 608-243-5000. Please note: when doing so we ask that you leave your name or contact information so that we may thank you properly.

John 10:27-29 Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

Jesus saith:
I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John 14:6.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666