Barbara A. (Wesolowski) Buxbaum

Barbara A. Buxbaum (née Wesolowski), 87, passed away peacefully at her home on March 9, 2026. She was born January 13, 1939, in Manitowoc to Leo and Jane (Roznowski) Wesolowski and was a lifelong resident of the area. To many family members and lifelong friends, she was affectionately known as “Bobbie Ann.”

She graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1957. On November 7, 1957, she married Donald C. Buxbaum at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Donald preceded her in death on May 26, 2016, after 58 years of marriage. Together they raised four children—Sue, Mike, Kathy, and JoAnn—who were the pride and joy of her life.

Barbara worked as a telephone operator for the Manitowoc Telephone Company, at Maurices, as a dental assistant, and later for the Manitowoc Department of Social Services as an Income Maintenance Worker, retiring after 20+ of service.

She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother who cherished time with her family. Barbara enjoyed crafts such as card and wreath making, shopping for supplies at Hobby Lobby, and watching QVC and HSN. She treasured time with her lifelong “8th Grade Group” of friends. After Don’s passing, she attended and later facilitated GriefShare at Hope Community Church, helping others through their journeys of grief. She also volunteered as a room aide at Jackson Elementary School and took classes at Silver Lake College.

Barbara and Don were active in many community activities, including the Royal Knight Cadets, Bonnie’s Cadets baton group, the Manitou Girl Scout Council, the Sidekicks Motorcycle Club, bowling leagues, golf, and the Jaycees and Jaycettes.

She is survived by her daughters Sue (Scott) Esson, JoAnn Hall, and Kathy Williams; daughter-in-law Bobby Buxbaum; sisters and brothers-in-law Shari Wesolowski, Valerie Buxbaum, Linda Scroggins, and Steve (Gabi) Buxbaum; grandchildren Becky Webb, Rachel (Keith) Muench, Katie and Christina Buxbaum, Dana Hall, and Ian Hall; great-grandson Jordan Craft; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; son CSM (R) Michael Buxbaum; sons-in-law Joseph E. Hall and Michael Williams; brother Jerome Wesolowski; sister Jean Smith Karrels; her parents-in-law, Al and Virginia (Lusk) Buxbaum; brother-in-law: Robert C. Buxbaum; and their beloved dog, Gunner.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Heartland Hospice (Nicole, Linda, Kayla, Tim, and Rebecca) for their care and support.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, at 4:00 pm at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th St., Manitowoc. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the 4:00 p.m. service. Private family burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home location, is assisting the Buxbaum family.

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