Barbara Jean Bednar

Barbara Jean Bednar, age 87, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on August 25, 1938, the daughter of the late Samuel and Louise (Itzenhuiser) Brisko.

On June 14, 1958, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, she married Donald C. Bednar. They shared 60 years of marriage until Don’s passing on May 10, 2019. Barbara worked for 32 years as a cook at the Racine County Jail, retiring in 2004. She found her greatest joy in caring for her family and friends. She loved playing the machines at Dickie’s Bar, Potawatomi, and other local casinos, bingo, dining out, arts and crafts, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, feeding the squirrels, watching American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, and decorating her Christmas tree each year. A devoted fan of Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, and the music of the 1950s and 1960s, she was remembered for keeping family close and always offering a helping hand.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherrie Collins (William Wishau); grandson, Patrick Collins; godchildren, Anthony Suiter, Kevin Mann, and Keith Mann; in-laws, Jeaneen Brisko and Selma Bednar; nephew, Randy (Cindy) Saavedra; lifelong friends, Jerry and Dorothy Mann; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, dear friends, and her cat, Bubba.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Nancy (Mike) Saavedra; her brother, Samuel Brisko Jr.; goddaughter, Barbara Suiter; and dear friend, Kaye Mann.