Barbara Ann (Zilk) Wagner, age 77, a Manitowoc resident, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc.
She was born July 24, 1948 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late James and Florence (Betke) Zilk. Barb attended Lincoln High School until her family moved to Denver, Colorado. She then attended Bear Creek High School, Denver, graduating with the class of 1967. Following high school graduation, Barb attended Martindale West Beauty Academy. On March 30, 1968, she married Ronald Wagner at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Denver. He preceded her in death in April of 2006. Barb was employed as a receptionist and teller at Associated Bank as well as Bank First. Barbara enjoyed spending her time boating, snowmobiling and riding Harleys with her husband, Ron. One of her favorite moments was celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary with her husband while on a sail ship sailing throughout the Caribbean Islands. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church as well as the St. Claire Society. Above all, she loved her family, especially spending time with her grandkids.
Barb is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Shawn (Sherri) Wagner and Jason (Tammy) Wagner; two grandchildren: Brittney Grove and Evan Wagner (significant other: Kesly Tollefson); one brother and sister-in-law: Gary (Barbara) Zilk; one sister-in-law: Kay “Casey” (Jim) Donker; and three cousins: Mary Lee (Scott) Balde, William (Amy) Betke, and Patti Schmitt; cousins-in-law: Michael “Scott” (Carol) Wagner, Emil “Butch” (Debbie) Yindra, and Wayne (Jody) Klein; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. She was preceded in death by her husband: Ronald Wagner; parents: James and Florence Zilk; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Reinnie and Ruth Wagner; her aunt and uncle: Leonard and Mary Betke; cousin: Kathy Betke; and cousin-in-law: Paul Schmitt.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Nico Stellpflug. Barb will be laid to rest at Knollwood Mausoleum, Town of Kossuth. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at City Limits Bar and Banquet Hall, 3627 County Road CR, Manitowoc.
