Barbara M. Blau

PORTAGE – Barbara M. Blau, 57, passed away peacefully at The Rivers in Portage on Monday, October 15, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

Barb, nicknamed the “Wild Child”, was born on March 31, 1961, in Madison, the daughter of Edwin and Clara (Priske) Blau. She graduated from Portage High School and then earned her CNA certificate. She was a hard worker and had worked in many factories throughout the years. Barb loved people, especially spending time with her family, children, grandchildren, as well as her friends.  

She is survived by her children, Nicholette Zimmerman and Trevor Blau; siblings, Julie (Merwyn) Breneman, Richard (Michelle) Blau, Michael (Kelly) Blau, Denise Blau, Valerie (Patrick) Cotter; grandchildren, Marcus, Kaitlyn and Ashley Zimmerman and Natalie Mae Blau; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage, Wisconsin, on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Rick Heilman and Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl concelebrating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Portage. Visitation will be at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage on Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 4:10 p.m. Visitation will also be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clara Blau Trust.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Rivers, Agrace HospiceCare and St. Clare Hospital for their care and support.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.