Barbara Jean Fontecchio, 82, Howard, passed away on November 17, 2022. Barb was born in Sagola, MI on November 12, 1940. She grew up on a farm in the Iron Mountain area and was married to Kenneth Anthony Fontecchio on March 28, 1964. They traveled with the U.S. Army for 10 years where Ken was active duty. After the Army years they settled in Neenah, WI for 13 years, moved to Tomah, WI for 3 years with Ken's employment at the VA Hospital in Tomah. From there they moved back to Appleton. In 2002, they moved again to Ashland, WI in 2007. In 2015, they moved again to Wasilla, AK and finally to Howard in the spring of 2022.

Barb graduated from the Channing High School in 1958 and Northern Michigan University School for Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) in 1961. She worked as an LPN at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain, MI. She also worked as a Medical Secretary at the 406th Army Medical Research Lab in Camp Zama, Japan for over 2 years, then stateside as a secretary at Clifton Gunderson & Co., Kimberly Clark Corp. and the Appleton Alliance Church.

Barb gave of her time to community service in Appleton and Neenah as well. She was a den mother for Cub Scout Pack 81; Secretary-Treasurer of Boy Scout Troops 81 & 43, Sunday school teacher and a member of various church choirs. She did volunteer work at the Ashland County Aging Unit, Retired Services Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Faith in Action, Ashland. Barb was also an active member of Northwoods Bible Church of Ashland where she was the church pianist 2003-2004.

Barb's hobbies included cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, gardening, playing the piano, cooking, and sewing.

Barb is survived by her two children, Paul (Carolei) Fontecchio of Green Bay, WI and Mark (Angie) Fontecchio of Anchorage, AK; six grandchildren, Luke, Gabriel and Ella Fontecchio of Green Bay; Micah, Hannah and Anika Fontecchio of Anchorage, AK.

She is further survived by her sister, Mary Jane Smart of Kingsford, MI; sister-in-law, Betty Smart of Kingsford, MI; special niece, Patsy Ann LeMay of Iron Mountain, MI and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Howard and Hazel (Bates) Smart, Barb is preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Patricia (Smart) Sexton and her brothers David Smart and Richard Smart of Iron Mountain, MI.

Family and friends, may visit at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth Street, De Pere from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 pm on Monday, November 21, 2022, with a service to follow at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.