April 11, 2023 at 2:54 p.m.
Barbara grew up south of McFarland on Lake Kegonsa with her sister Mary. She attended West High in Madison, graduating in 1956. After two years at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla. she transferred to Arizona State University where she received a degree in Elementary Education in 1961.
Having spent many of her childhood summers in Manitowish Waters with family on Papoose Lake and later Island Lake, she joined the Camp Jorn staff in 1958 as a camp counselor It was there that she met Bill Kauffman and in 1961 they were married in the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church. They remained part of the CJ summer staff for 13 years and had a continued involvement with the camp until her death.
After the wedding, both took teaching positions in Omaha, Neb. A daughter, Pamela Jo, was born the summer of 1963. The following five years found them in Mesa, Ariz. where her husband took a teaching position and pursued a graduate degree at Arizona State University. They returned to Wausau in 1968. Barbara taught at Weston Elementary School for 22 years, earning her M. Ed from UW Stevens Point, before retiring in 1998.
She and Bill moved full-time to Manitowish Waters in 2022 where she was actively involved with The North Lakeland Discovery Center as a volunteer and Bird Club member for many years. She paddled with the WOW group (Women on Water) for weekly kayaking trips to area lakes and rivers, enjoying as well their related social activities. The two decades spent with the Friday golf group at Trout Lake held special memories.
Her passion was the Northwoods. The seasonal evolutions of plant and animal life were her treasures. Whether birding, paddling, or simply walking in the solitude of the forest itself, she was content … and she did her best to instill the same values in both daughter and grandchildren.
She and Bill were associated with the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church for 61 years, and full time members for the past two decades.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Marge Satterfield, as well as her sister, Mary Satterfield Swanson. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughter/husband Pamela/Steve Hodges, and grandchildren William and Claire Hodges. Additional survivors include two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Dianne Roth and Pam and Bob Kauffman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers it is suggested that any memorials be directed to the North Lakeland Discovery Center or YMCA Camp Jorn (both located in Manitowish Waters), or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.
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