Barbara Evalyn Clasen

Barbara Evalyn Goodrich Clasen, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 5, 2021 at Brown Wilcox Retirement Home, in Berlin, WI. Barbara was born on Feb. 17, 1929 to parents Philo and Greta Goodrich in Menomonee, WI. She attended school in Durand, WI, before graduating from Durand High School in 1947. In 1950, Barbara married William “Bill” Clasen, and together they raised four children. Barbara and Bill moved to Berlin in 1959 where they began a busy life caring for their children and building their careers. Barbara’s career began in secondary education, while Bill joined the family's furniture business: Goodrich Home Furnishings. Barbara's daughter, Tricia, continues to run the family furniture business, which is now over 134 years old. Barbara is an alumna of Ripon College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and English. She went on to earn a Master of Library Science degree in 1974 from The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Her secondary education career began at Berlin High School where she taught remedial reading, then later became the Head Librarian, a position she held for over 30 years. One of Barbara’s many accomplishments included digitizing the high school library for the first time by integrating the department's first computers. She was also instrumental in establishing the “Right To Read Program” which allowed statewide book sharing between school districts. But perhaps her greatest professional accomplishment was that she encouraged countless students to become readers by expertly matching them with just the right book for their interests. In addition, by her example, Barbara instilled in her own children a deep appreciation of the value of continuing education, as each one of her children went on to earn their own college degrees. Aside from her career, Barbara had many talents and interests. Barbara was well known for her wonderful sense of humor and one-line zingers. She was a wonderful cook and took as much pride in providing home-cooked meals for her growing family throughout her years of full-time work as she did in hosting dinner parties. Barbara was also an avid sports fan. She could often be found listening to sports games or NPR on the radio, working on crossword puzzles, or simply reading one of the thousands of books she enjoyed over her lifetime. She was a devoted, life-long knitter, and was able to pay for her master’s degree program by teaching knitting classes in the evenings. She traveled around the country taking knitting classes from experts, earning credits towards becoming a Master Hand Knitter. Her beautiful hand-knit creations included countless custom sweaters, beautiful coats, ornate shawls, and boiled wool slippers for family and friends. She also passed down her to her children and grandchildren both her knitting skills and her love of the craft. Barbara and Bill were fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world. Amongst their favorite trips were biennial gatherings of Barbara’s first cousins at different destinations across the United States and Canada. In 1975, Bill and Barbara built their dream home on Mascoutin Golf Course in Berlin where they enjoyed many years of golfing and entertaining family and friends. After retirement in 1993, Barb and Bill began spending winters in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they enjoyed making new friends and immersing themselves in both the visual and the performing arts. The couple cherished frequent visits from family and friends throughout the winter months. After selling their Mascoutin home in Berlin, Barbara and Bill enjoyed their summers at their beloved cottage at Blueberry Lake in Conover, WI. After Bill’s passing in 2007, Barbara continued to travel around the world, to winter in Arizona, and to spend summers with her family in the North Woods. Barbara was preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 57 years, her parents, Greta and Philo Goodrich, sister-in-law Patricia Goodrich, and brothers-in-law Bob Hipke, Ed Clasen, and Hank Clasen, Jr. Barbara is survived by her sons William Clasen, Jr., Merrimac, WI, Bob (Liv) Clasen, Silver Spring, MD, daughters Tricia (Bob) Clasen-Prellwitz, Berlin, WI, and Sue Ellen (John) Bloch, Green Lake, WI. Barb is further survived by her six grandchildren, Kala Ellen (Jake Rorabaugh) Bloch of Orcas Island, WA, Megan Maude (Adam) Sacho of Wauconda, IL, Paul David Bloch, Livingston, MT, Katie Marie Prellwitz of Green Bay, WI, Michael John Prellwitz of Minneapolis, MN and Chelsea Ann Clasen of Madison, WI; and by five great grandchildren: Silas, Levi, Ruby Blu, Koda and Casslynn. Barb is further survived by her brother Bud (Carolyn) Goodrich, Racine, WI, sister Betty Hipke, Phoenix, AZ, and sister-in-law and life-long friend Jeanne Clasen of Oshkosh, WI. Barb is further survived by many nieces and nephews, dear cousins and friends, including her special friend, Peggy Edwards. There will be a celebration of life for Barb at a future date. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. The Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home is serving the family. The family wishes to thank the incredible staff of Brown Wilcox Retirement Home in Berlin for Barbara’s loving care. The Brown Wilcox staff was so kind and caring to Barbara. She equally loved all of them. Thanks also to Agnesian Hospice Hope of Green Lake for their care. Finally, because of Barbara’s dedication to literacy and love of books, a memorial in her name has been established at the Berlin Public Library.

Barbara Evalyn Clasen

February 17, 1929 - January 5, 2021