Barbara Emily Peksa

Barbara Emily Peksa (Schweitzer) passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 94 after a short battle with cancer. She was born in rural Milwaukee County on September 18, 1929, to parents James and Mary Schweitzer (Kassel). The eldest of 4 siblings (Jim, Beverly, and John), Barb quickly became the loving matriarch of the family, and remained the doting big sister her whole life. She spent her early years growing up on the family farm off Howard Avenue before moving with her family to West Allis. After graduating high school she took classes in Accounting and began her long business career with Johnson Cookie in Milwaukee.

On October16, 1954 Barbara married Richard Alex Peksa at St. Hyacinth’s Church on Milwaukee’s south side. They continued to live on the south side and were blessed with three children (Margaret, Richard, and Jim). Sadly, her husband passed away at a young age in 1964, leaving Barbara with three kids in diapers and the world on her shoulders. Always a strong Catholic, her faith and extended family sustained her. Barbara later married Frank Peksa, who sadly passed away in 1968.

Barbara had more than her share of heartache and hard times in her life. Her strength, faith, and perseverance were inspiring to all who knew her, especially her children, to whom she instilled these ideals and the value of hard work. More than anything, Barbara was the embodiment of selfless love. Her family was the most important thing in her world.

When her children were in grade school she resumed her professional career with Saelens Corporation of Sullivan, WI, and later Johnson Creek, WI, where she rose to the position of CFO and part owner. When she finally retired at the age of 76, she began living the life of fun and enjoyment she so richly deserved. She traveled the world, met The Pope, and visited her dear brother John in Alaska. Barbara loved to garden, needlepoint, bake, play word games, and try to cheat at dominoes. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Pro Health Home Hospice Service for their tireless care and compassion for Barbara in her final days. They truly are angels walking among us.

A visitation will be held on Friday March 8, 2024 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1755 N Calhoun Rd. Brookfield, from 10 AM until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Jude Children’s Hospital would be greatly appreciated.