Barbara A. Marthaler

Barbara A. Marthaler, age 91, died peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, at her home in Beaver Dam.

Barb was born on June 6, 1934, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to Arnold and Dorothy (Bromberek) Bohl. After graduating high school, she furthered her education and worked as a nursing assistant. On November 10, 1956, she was united in marriage with Floyd “Flip” Marthaler at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Together they raised four children, Julie, Mike, Mark & Jamie. Barb lovingly managed her home and family.

Barb always had a smile on her face, a great sense of humor and love of laughter. She had a zest for life and cherished her family, faith and friends. Barb was an avid reader and many days you could find her at the lake with a good book. She loved to socialize, go for walks, golf, play bridge, take in the latest movie and vacation at Gulf Shores and Door County. She was always up for the next outing, gathering or adventure. If you were fortunate to sit next to Barb at any event, or on a train or airplane, you instantly became her friend. She was a lifelong and dedicated Green Bay Packers fan. Wearing her green and gold, she cheered them on with unwavering enthusiasm.

She was a life-long member of Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish and was active in the New Life Choir, Adult Sunday Choir, and Catholic Women. Barb volunteered at the Beaver Dam Library for over 30 years, and also shared her time at numerous community organizations.

Survivors include her children, Julie (Jeff) Grip of Wausau, Michael (Julie) Marthaler of La Crosse, and Jamie Bonenberger (Dana Stibolt) of Glen Burnie, MD; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer (Lance) Decker-Anwash of Marshall; six grandchildren, Sara (Greg) Knighton, Ryan (Brie) Grip, Corey (Tyler) Mattie, Collin Marthaler (Val Hilby), Megan (Austin) Osborn, Braylynn Decker-Anwash; ten great grandchildren, Isabel, Leo & Oliver Knighton, Maverick, Rhett, Hayes & Ruby Grip, Nora & Beau Mattie and Anderson Osborn; nieces and nephews, Dave Westimayer, Barb Keach, Tony Westimayer, Pat Spettel, Susie Schumacher, Sandy Franke, Mike Westimayer, Jon Westimayer, Kathy Elford, and other relatives & friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, husband, son Mark Marthaler; son-in-law Bill Bonenberger, father-mother-in-law Erwin & Cynthia Marthaler, sister-brother-in-law Helen & Tony Westimayer, and nephew Tom Westimayer.

A visitation will be held at Saint Katharine Drexel Church in Beaver Dam on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow in church beginning at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Will Arnold will officiate. Inurnment will be at Highland Memory Gardens in the Town of Trenton (Dodge County).

A special thank you to Barb’s many friends, neighbors and healthcare team that provided kind, supportive and compassionate care.