Janet Lynn Barr

Janet Lynn Barr, 76, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025.

She was born on July 28, 1949, in Waupun, Wisconsin, the daughter of Douglas and Bettye Baker. Janet grew up in Oshkosh in the house her father built by hand, surrounded by the love of her parents, her younger sister, and her baby brother. At just over a year old, Janet was found to be deaf—a discovery that shaped her resilience and deepened her lifelong connection to the Deaf community.

Janet later married Jack Barr, with whom she raised three children in Sun Prairie. Though they later divorced, they remained lifelong friends. Janet was a devoted homemaker who faithfully cared for her family and was always present whenever they needed her. She took pride in putting her family’s needs before her own and was known by all as a warm, sweet, loving, and giving woman.

She was widely recognized for her extraordinary cooking and baking skills—especially her Christmas cookies—and for her joy in decorating her home for every holiday. She delighted in being an active member of the Deaf chapter of the Red Hat Club, where she cherished the friendships, laughter, and outings she shared with her fellow members. As a young girl, she also loved skimming the shores of Lake Winnebago for shells, a memory she carried with her throughout her life.

Janet was an active member of the Madison Association of the Deaf Auxiliary and a dedicated member of Silent Lutheran Church until it dissolved a few years ago. Her faith and service shone through in her many contributions, particularly in the meals she lovingly prepared for family gatherings, church events, and Deaf community functions.

She also held a special love for her dogs—Sid, Sam I, Sam II, and Sam III—who brought her joy and companionship through the years.

Janet is survived by her former husband and loving friend, Jack Barr; her children, Kim Barr and Chad (Jeff) Barr; daughter-in-law, Abby Barr; grandchildren, Jordan (Victoria) Hotchkiss, Kailey (Brandon) Bagley, Hunter (Autumn) Bagley, Aubrey and Hailey Barr; and great-grandson Harlon, with a great-granddaughter on the way. She is also survived by Colleen (Dan) Rains, Gregory (Debbie) Baker, Jim (Deb) Barr, Jana (Scott) Herrick, along with many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Cory Barr; grandson, Jake Hotchkiss; and son-in-law, Dale Singer.

Janet’s legacy is one of love, faith, generosity, and family. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to those she loved, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness.

Funeral services will be held at Cress Funeral Home on October 3rd, with visitation beginning at noon and a service at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madison Association of the Deaf, 1109 Williamson St. Madison, WI 53703, or the Wisconsin Humane Society, https://www.wihumane.org/

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054