Barbara Wirgau

Barbara Ann (Strzelecki) Wirgau

June 9, 1952 – April 3, 2025

Barbara Ann Strzelecki was born in the summer of 1952 to Phyllis Genevieve Zdybel and Jacob John Strzelecki, who were 23 and 32 years old, respectively. As the second of seven children and the oldest girl, Barb grew up with a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic. From a young age, she took on the role of caregiver, helping to raise her younger siblings while maintaining the household. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, sewed, canned, and tutored her brothers and sisters through their homework. In the rare moments of respite, the family bonded over games like Pinochle, Go Fish, and Old Maid, or enjoyed outdoor adventures such as baseball and fishing. Music was also an integral part of their lives—Barb fondly remembers the joy of listening to her father play the violin and the accordion, affectionately known as the “squeeze box”;

As a teenager, Barb began working at Rexall Pharmacy in her senior year of high school, earning a modest $1.65 an hour. She also worked part-time at Chi-Chi’s restaurant. After leaving Rexall, she joined her mother at Styma Potato Farms, where she worked alongside Phyllis for many years. Barb was the reliable one who drove them both to and from work daily for $1.35 an hour, never once complaining about the long hours.

In 1974, Barb met Johnathan Paul Wirgau through her brother Bob, and it wasn’t long before she was smitten by his rugged good looks, flowing hair, and flashy chopper. The two fell deeply in love and married the same year, settling in a home John had built just next door to Barb’s parents. A path soon became worn in the garden, as Barb’s young children would eagerly visit their beloved grandparents every day. Barb’s natural talent for numbers and strategy made her a formidable card player, and she was known to dominate at Spitzer tournaments. Her competitive spirit extended to sports, where she excelled in softball leagues and sharpened her pool skills with her team. For Barb, life was never just about participation; it was about giving it her all and pushing herself to win. She instilled that same tenacity in her nieces and nephews, teaching them not just how to play, but how to win.

Tragedy struck in 1989 when her mother, Phyllis, passed away suddenly at the age of 60. This heartbreaking loss reshaped Barb’s life, propelling her into the role of the family matriarch. She became the steady rock on which the Strzelecki family relied, taking in her father and caring for him during his final years. Barb’s nurturing spirit extended beyond that of a daughter—she wore many hats, from family barber to referee, and even stylist.

Her role as a godmother was one she took seriously. She was godmother to Lauren Johnson, Tina Marie (Strzelecki) Schleben, and Joshua James Hentkowski, all of whom held a special place in her heart. Barb’s love was always unconditional, but she was never afraid to speak her mind. Those who knew her understood that when Barb spoke, she said exactly what she meant. She may have had a tough exterior, but beneath it was a heart full of love, kindness, and generosity. Her hugs were legendary—tight, full of warmth, and often accompanied by tears.

After retiring from Maple Ridge Evergreens, Barb found new ways to channel her creativity and love of giving. She crafted beautiful wreaths and other evergreen creations, selling them at local craft shows. She was known throughout Posen for her culinary skills, particularly her homemade canned goods. Barb often catered weddings, funerals, and every other event in between, preparing food with care and love. For her, cooking wasn’t just a skill—it was a way of communicating affection. Whether it was sharing a homegrown bushel of corn, donating a dessert to a fundraiser, or preparing a meal for family. Barb’s food was a symbol of her deep love for those around her.

The loss of her brother Bob in 2005 to cancer was a devastating blow. Bob had been not just her brother, but her best friend. The grief was profound, but Barb’s resilience allowed her to continue, always keeping her family close.

In the latter years of her life, Barb found immense joy in her role as a grandmother. She embraced the title with her whole heart. Her grandchildren—whom she lovingly referred to as “her babies”—became the center of her world. Walking with them, cooking alongside them, teaching them card games, and sharing in their love of baseball filled her with joy and peace. Her home was a haven for them, and she took great delight in watching them grow, always offering her guidance, love, and support.

In 2024, the family celebrated Barb and John’s 50th wedding anniversary at the Chojnacki family camp. Surrounded by loved ones, sharing homemade food and treasured memories, Barb radiated happiness, laughter, and joy. She smiled, laughed her signature laugh, and wiped away tears of gratitude for the beautiful life she had built with John and their children.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Johnathan Paul, their three sons—Derek Scott (Jamie), Dustin Glen (Andrea), and Dillon Johnathan—along with her cherished six grandchildren: Christian Scott, Gabriel Jerrold, Nora Rose, Kaitlin Ann, Ellis Johnathan, and Celia Diane. She is also survived by her siblings: Jacob John Jr. (Bonnie), Glenn Thomas, Cynthia Marie (Alan) Hentkowski, Timothy Lee (Ann), and Pamela Rose (Roger) Chojnacki.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis Genevieve (Zdybel) and Jacob John Strzelecki, and her beloved brother, Robert Martin Strzelecki. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, strength, and dedication lives on in the hearts of her family and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

Friends may visit the Beck Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Visitation will resume at St. Casimir Catholic Church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of her Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Charlie Donajkowski officiating.

Memorials may be given to St. Casimir Catholic Church in memory of Barbara Wirgau

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org