Barbara J. Harp

Harp, Barbara

The Gates of Heaven opened at 3:30 p.m. June 30 to welcome Barbara J. Harp, Little Chute, after a car accident in Greenville. Among those joining the welcoming party were her husband Jim and daughter Margaret. Barb came into this world on Oct. 4, 1932, in Marinette, the daughter of the late John and Laura (Pfiester) Scherer.

Barb was known for living life to the fullest, even after the love of her life, Jim, left this world in 2001. She was a 1950 graduate of St. John High School, Little Chute, and she graduated from St. Agnes School of Nursing, Fond du Lac, in 1953. She spent the next 35 years sharing her nursing skills with patients and colleagues at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton. At age 48 and after raising eight children, she returned to the classroom to get her BSN and then became board-certified in occupational health nursing. She joined Jim in retiring early in 1995 to spend more time at their winter home in North Ft. Myers, Florida, and their cottage on Lake Poygan. She enjoyed out-fishing almost everyone, playing a mean Scrabble game, beating the odds at the Bingo hall and doing things that few others would even consider, like skydiving for the first time on her 72nd birthday. She was the consummate volunteer, sharing her care and concern for others in many ways. She was especially dedicated to the American Red Cross, where she was a local Board member for many years; the Fox Valley Aids project, where she did patient testing; and Friends in Service Here (FISH) of N. Fort Myers, which she currently served as president.

Barb left a family of seven children and 10 grandchildren whom she loved dearly and was very proud of. They include Mary (Jeff) Harp-Jirschele, Appleton; Mike (Lynn) Harp, Combined Locks; Marcy (Todd) Voss, Neenah; Maureen (Ronnie) Williams, Beckville, Texas; Marty (Karen) Harp, Lewisville, North Carolina; Matt (Ellen) Harp, Greenville; and Mark (Tammy Kerkhoff) Harp, Little Chute. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart: Angela Le Noble, Ben and Sam Harp; Matt McCarty; Jason and Sarah Bogenschutz; Alex, Annabelle and Margaret Harp; and Garret Harp. Other survivors include her sister, Patricia Van Camp, St. Louis; brother John (Joan), Darboy; brothers-in-law Tom (Ruth) Harp, Appleton; Rich (Carol), Menasha; and Dave (Arlene), Green Bay. Making the journey to Heaven before her were her husband of 47 years, Jim; daughter Margaret in 1990; sister, Sr. Mary Scherer, O.P.; brothers-in-law Leo Harp and Jim Van Camp; and Jim’s parents, Gene and Loretta Harp.

The funeral liturgy will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, at ST. PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 E. Wallace St., Combined Locks, with Fr. Bob Vandenberg, Fr. Jim Lucas and Deacon George Schraufnagel officiating. The family will welcome friends at the church from 3-6 p.m.

A memorial has been established for a number of Barb’s special concerns, including the Fishing Wharf in Little Chute that was built in Jim’s memory.

The family extends a special thanks to the ThedaCare professionals, including ThedaStar and the Trauma/Emergency Room staff, and the Outagamie County Sheriff’s and Coroner’s departments, for their consideration and outstanding professionalism.
Barb left us unexpectedly; her admonition to all of us would be to remember that life is fragile and momentary, and it is our responsibility to love, to aid, to protect and to nurture in every opportunity given us.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com