Barbara Jean Kistner

April 9, 1945—February 22, 2025

Barb Kistner (Reckin) was born April 9, 1945, at Eglin Field, Florida to Vernice and Yvonne (Bancroft) Reckin.  After her father's military service, the family returned to the farm in Eau Galle where she was raised along with her two brothers Ron and Charles (Roseanne).  She attended Elmwood Schools and later worked as a seamstress at a clothing manufacturing company in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

On October 5, 1968, she married Irvin "Smokey" Kistner at Eau Galle Methodist Church.  They settled in Colfax, WI.  Barb was a talented seamstress who made her own wedding dress along with the dresses for her bridesmaids.

Her most important job was being a stay-at-home mother after having her first son Jeff (Jody) and six years later, Jason (Tanya).  Barb continued to work from home as a seamstress making clothes and alterations for customers and sewing patches for local officers and officials.  Barb also worked for Colfax Schools for several years as a crossing guard, and at Colfax Video.

Each year the family would take a vacation to Coleman WI to see Aunt Ilah and Uncle Grant Bancroft at their farm.  Barb looked forward to seeing all the Bancroft Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

Smokey passed away in 1991 at the age of 51.  Barb then found new strengths she did not know she had.  She continued to raise her two sons, learned to manage her own finances and home, and worked at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire and Colfax IGA in the meat department.  Barb never remarried and loved Smokey her remaining days.

After her two sons had their own homes and wives, Alzheimer's started robbing her of independence.  When she could no longer live alone safely, she decided to sell her home and move to Oakwood Hills assisted living.  Later she needed further care at Heritage Court Memory Care.

Barb was a proud grandmother to Brock and Brianna, children of Jason and Tanya; and the numerous "furry grandkids" of Jeff and Jody.  When she was able to, Barb would travel with Jody to many dog shows and found joy in babysitting Brock and Brianna.

Barb returned home to God and reunited with Smokey and her parents on February 22, 2025.  Thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the loving staff at Heritage Court for keeping her safe and as comfortable as possible.

Barb is survived by her two sons, two brothers, two grandchildren, a sister-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Also survived by a former sister-in-law, Luanne Reckin, who in our hearts remains Aunt Luanne.  And the fur and feathered grandkids too.

Visitation will be held from 11AM – 1PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at WEST CHAPEL of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire.  A short prayer service will take place at 12:30PM at the funeral home. A Light lunch is available throughout visitation. Sampson Funeral Home, Colfax is assisting the family.