Gary F. Barber Obituary
On Monday, March 20th, Reverend Gary Frank Barber, loving husband, father, and Papa, peacefully entered the church triumphant. He was born into this world on December 21, 1953 to Frank and Josephine (Holubek) Barber in Evanston, Illinois. Gary spent his youth growing up in Des Plaines, IL with his sister Judy (Greg) Foster. Gary graduated from Maine West Township High School in 1972. From there, he received a bachelor's degree in business from North Central College in Naperville, IL, where he met the love of his life, Kimberly Lisanby of Oak Lawn, IL. Gary and Kimi were married on August 6th, 1977 and were blessed to celebrate their 45th anniversary just this last year.
Early in his career, Gary worked for the U.S. Post Office, McLean Trucking, and Fort Dearborn Company. After listening to God's calling, he earned his Masters of Divinity Degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and spent the majority of his career serving others as a United Methodist Pastor in rural Illinois parishes. Gary also joined the volunteer fire departments where he resided, serving as chaplain and later pursuing further education as a paramedic. After retirement, Gary and Kimi moved up to Hubertus, WI where they enjoyed remodeling a former local fire station into their very own lake house.
Along with serving others, Gary was all about spending time with Kimi and family. They enjoyed traveling together, particularly to Canada and Scotland where extended family lived. On one of their trips, Kimi and Gary were able to renew their vows in Scotland. While their two daughters grew up, Gary was always present and vocal at their activities and events, cheering them on and at times, even coaching them. He supported them in all of their adventures and career goals. Once grandchildren entered his world, Gary was the best Papa to each of them, showering them with love and funny Papa moments.
He is survived by his wife, Kimi, and their daughters, Kate (Johnathan) Hagenbuch of Utica, IL and Kari (Dan) Lutter of Richfield, WI. He is further survived by his six grandchildren, Isabella, Mae, Nolan, Evelynn, Brynn, and Kael, his brother-in-law, Greg Foster, nephews Gregory (Kim) Foster, Jr. and Daniel (Michelle) Foster, and other great-nephews, a great-niece, extended family, and close friend Rashawn. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Josephine Barber, sister, Judy Foster, father-in-law Donald Lisanby, mother-in-law Mary (Ben) Walker, brother-in-law Stewart Lisanby, and niece Bianca Lisanby.
Gary was best known for his amazing stories, quick smile, humorous demeanor, lover of pets, and compassionate heart. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend, WI from 12:00 PM until the time of memorial service at 2:00 PM. Specific times for the service will be updated once the arrangements are in place. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able instead make a donation in Gary's memory to West Bend Immanuel UCC's India Mission, St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL, or Slinger School District's Honours Inc. Scholarship Fund.
Gary's family would like to thank all of the staff at Blue Grotto Memory Care Unit at Grace Commons in Menomonee Falls as well as Brighton Hospice for the kind and compassionate care over the last few months.
Visitation Saturday, April 22, 2023 Noon - 2:00 PM Immanuel United Church of Christ 501 Walnut St West Bend, WI 53095.
