Barbara (Barb) (Barbie) Jean Markowski peacefully entered heaven on Thursday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born the second daughter of Kathleen and Blaine Ashley on October 15, 1948, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She attended Hancock grade school and St. Michael’s Catholic School. She then attended Berlin High School, graduating with the Class of 1966.
As a child, Barb was a lively tomboy, happiest wherever her dad was—whether riding in the big truck or planting trees. She loved playing outside with her siblings and rarely slowed down, which led to more than a few visits to the emergency room.
She was united in marriage to Richard Charles Markowski on January 28, 1967, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Berlin, Wisconsin.
Barb’s primary focus after the birth of her four children was keeping the home fires burning and the kids under control while Rich worked on the road. Those children kept her on her toes—especially during their teenage years. Though trying at times, Barb loved her kids deeply and taught them lasting lessons about who to be and how to treat others: to be polite, honest, and hardworking. As each of her children built families of their own, Barb found herself surrounded by an ever-growing circle. She treasured time spent with family and friends.
Throughout their life together, Rich and Barb enjoyed sharing a cold one, playing cribbage at the kitchen table, and taking the family to tractor pulls. Though she married into a family of avid hunters and never took up the sport herself, she cherished the camaraderie that came with it. Her deviled eggs were a staple at family gatherings, served with a side of lively chitchat.
Barb shared a close bond with her sisters that lasted throughout her life. A dream fulfilled was traveling to Ireland with them and her mother—a trip that meant more than words can say. To make the journey possible, as she did for other special occasions, she saved “B” dollars, adding an extra layer of meaning to the experience. Her Irish heritage was a deep source of pride and held a special place in her heart.
Across her life, Barb held a variety of jobs. She worked on the custodial staff at St. Michael’s, at various glove companies in Berlin, and did seasonal work at the Ripon canneries. She worked hard all her life, whether caring for her family or giving her best in each of her roles.
Barb’s greatest happiness was found in her grandchildren. They were greeted with a kiss and a loving, “Well, hello, sweetheart.” She found joy in their stories, milestones, and everyday moments. Grandma Barb and Grandpa Rich’s house was as familiar to them as their own, and in many ways, she helped raise them. From ordinary afternoons watching soaps to special celebrations, she was a steady presence in their lives.
Grandma Barb never missed a birthday or holiday. The card envelopes were sealed with an almost comical number of stickers to make sure they stayed shut, and the handwriting on the front could only be hers. She earned the title of “Cereal Grandma,” delighting in surprise deliveries of cereal she found on sale—small gestures that meant everything. As great-grandbabies arrived, they quickly became her newest source of pride and her favorite topic of conversation.
Barb never missed a thing. As part of her self-proclaimed “Tri-County Hotline,” she regularly called friends to catch up on local happenings. In recent years, you could find her enjoying the gambling machines and a cool beverage at the Country Inn, visiting, laughing, and catching up with whoever happened to walk through the door.
Through it all, Barb was known for her quiet strength, kindness, and spirited nature—always ready with a sassy one-liner and her rich, booming laugh. We already miss her coined expressions like “whatever,” her smile, her laughter, and the unconditional love that came with being one of her favorite people. Her heart had room for everyone, and that is her greatest legacy.
Though we miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and has entered into eternal life in Heaven.
We hope she knew, and continues to know, just how deeply she was loved.
She is survived by her husband, Richard Markowski; thier children, Scott (Cheryl) Markowski, Monica (Mark) Keelor, Richard Markowski, and Michael (Tina) Markowski; her grandchildren, Alyssa (Mike) Doro, Andrea (Bruce) Raub, Anessa (Trevinn) Hare, Jade (Derek) Reihart, Cassie (Mike) Johnson, Hannah (Corey Hassevoort) Markowski, Wyatt (Jackie Franke) Markowski, and Owen Markowski; and her great-grandchildren, Hayden Raub, Adalyn Doro, Landyn Doro, Jack Doro, Layla Hare, Logan Johnson, William Johnson, Autumn Reihart, Gavin Reihart (arriving in May), Dawson Hassevoort and Lenni Hassevoort.
She is also survived by her daughter, Lori (Lynn) Carlson, and their children, Patrick, Andrew, and Curtis; her siblings, Patricia Ashley, Kathleen (Russ) Thom, Janice Miller, and Jerry Ashley; her brothers-in-law, Donald Markowski and Thomas (Connie) Markowski; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen Wellner; her stepfather, Art Wellner; her father, Blaine Ashley; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leonard and Nina Markowski; and her great-grandson, Leo Michael Johnson.
Thank you to Berlin EMS and ThedaCare Berlin for their compassion and care. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton, Juliette Manor, and ThedaCare Hospice for their excellent care of both Barbara and her family during her final days.
Family and friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 10-11 am at All Saints Catholic Parish of Berlin. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 am with Fr. Bill Kearley officiating.
Private burial at a later date.
A Celebration of life and luncheon will be held immediately following services at Mastricola’s on Broadway, Berlin.
Memorials can be directed to the Berlin Alumni Association in memory of Barb.
For more information and to view a tribute video dedicated to Barb, please refer to wieckiskipchakfuneralhome.com.
Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home
116. S. Adams Ave
Berlin, WI 54923
(920) 361-2050
