Jeanette Barker

Madison - Jeanette (Jan) Ann (Engelking) Barker passed away on December 27, 2015 at the age of 84. She was born on July 31, 1931 in St. James, Minnesota to Walter and Margaret (Bemmerl) Engelking. Jan graduated from Beloit High School where she first captured her love of music by playing the drums. Jan worked as an X-ray Technician at the Jackson Clinic in Madison. She married Lt (USN), George Peter Barker at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Madison on October 15, 1955. George and Jan lived in Washington D.C, Gauley Bridge, WV and returned to Madison, WI in 1966 where they raised their seven children. Music, dance and art were the ways Jan expressed her beautiful, sweet and caring self. Jan took art classes in the evenings and learned to play piano at the age of 50. Jan continued to play the piano by ear and used music and dance to communicate her love and joy with the world. Jan particularly enjoyed tap dancing (Yankee Doodle Dandy), ballet (The Nutcracker, Swan Lake), Broadway tunes and opera, and saw beauty all around her. Above all, Jan's family was most important to her. She made sure all of her children were safe, happy, and shared her love of music. Jan recognized the importance of family traditions and loved family get-togethers complete with stories and laughter. Together, Jan and George never missed the many recitals, concerts, banquets, graduations, sporting events and school events for their children and grandchildren. In 1960, Jan scored a "hole in one" on the par three eighth hole of Hawk Nest Gold Course in Gauley Bridge, WV. Her husband, an accomplished golfer, was astonished. This led to her truism, "You should always carry enough money in your pocket to buy the clubhouse a drink!" Jan's other favorite sayings revealed her love and inner strength. A few of her favorites were: "Tis done!"; "Go upstairs and dry your tears" and "Always have an ace up your sleeve."

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Harry Engelking and Delmar (Hap) Engelking; sister, Doris Bloomquist. Jan is survived by sisters Mary Ann Hanson and Gloria Jean (Galen) Engholm; children George, Greg, Julie (Luigi Celentano), Mary (Ken Seemann), Sue (Wes Osterbur), David (April Rockstead), Dan (Jill); grandchildren Aaron, Claire, Ava, Reese, Nick, Amelia, Abigail, Olivia as well as friends, nieces and nephews. Jan's family would like to thank the staffs at Oakwood Village-University Woods, UW Hospitals-Orthopedic Unit and Agrace Hospice for their loving care of Jan. Everyone who met Jan mentioned her sweet personality and strong spirit. Her endearing interactions always started with a smile, blowing kisses, winking or giving a gentle touch to the cheek.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, with Msgr. James Uppena presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at church. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Great Dane Hilldale following the Mass.

Memorials can be made to Catholic Charities, The Alzheimer's Association and Agrace Hospice Care.

Cress Center
Funeral & Cremation Service
6021 University Avenue, Madison
608-238-8406