Surrounded in love by her family, Grace Barnes Klarkowski, 83, died Wednesday, Sept. 23 at St. Vincent's, the hospital at which she worked for 42 years and where her son John was born. The cause was a sudden illness. Grace's professional life (which began after graduation from Chicago's Norwegian-American Hospital) was highly focused on her duties as head nurse of obstetrics. But her personal life was a rich mixture of family, friends, pets, hobbies and good fellowship. Family was always the centerpiece of her life. Grace was a single parent raising two children in the 1950s, long before TV comedies made that challenge seem desirable as well as funny. Her independence and dedication inspired both of her children. The native of Iola also loved winning at cribbage, mastering crossword puzzles, boating with her family, the sound of coins crashing from a slot machine, her little dog Misty, a well-made martini and a handy bottle of ketchup. But most of all she loved Felix, her late husband of 31 years with whom she helped own and operate the Willow Wisp tavern for patrons who soon became friends. Later in life, the pair traveled widely, creating memories in England, Scotland, Mexico, Florida, Disney World, Alaska and other destinations that were never quite the same after their departure. Survivors include her daughter Dawn Barnes Hamel (Jack Meusey); son, John Barnes (Cathy); grandchildren: Alison Herndon (Brad); Ann Marie Hamel; Matthew Barnes (Stephanie); Kristine Andrews (Peter); great-grand daughter Norah Herndon; baby boy Herndon due in December; sister, Eva Rae Johnson; brother, Lee Nelson; and card-playing friend Lillie Mae DeVillers. In addition to her husband Felix, Grace was preceded in death by her brother Phil Nelson and sister Ardale Flint. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m.Friday at the Ryan Funeral Home 305 N. Tenth Street De Pere. Pastor Jim Pfefferkorn will officiate at a memorial service at 7 p.m. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to express online condolences to the family.