Stewart "Stu" Wayne Barber

Stewart “Stu” Wayne Barber, 76, of Green Bay, passed away April 4, 2025. Born on August 18, 1948, in West Bend, he is the son of the late William and Gwynda Barber. Stewart grew up in West Bend on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. He graduated from West Bend High School class of 1966. After high school, Stewart began his career at Gehl Company in West Bend while earning his Associate in Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Washington County in 1971. It was at this time that Stewart also served our country in the United States Army Reserves, learning and performing aircraft maintenance. He continued with his community service by becoming an Alderman and Common Council member in West Bend. Stewart was an active member of the Jaycees, serving as a Vice President and earning the Outstanding Young Man Award for meritorious service to the community, family, and nation. In 1977, he moved to Appleton and opened Barber Equipment with his father and brother Glenn selling farm implements and equipment. In 1981, they closed the business and he continued on with his career and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1982. Throughout his career, Stewart held many different leadership roles in manufacturing operations at several companies including Hayssen Manufacturing Company, Kelley Company, Waukesha Bearings Corporation and Dover Corporation. These companies took him to Sheboygan, Antigo and Spartanburg, South Carolina and even England. He retired at the age of 57 and went on to start his own consulting company that took him all over the world, working with manufacturing facilities to improve processes and efficiencies.

Steward married his soul mate, Charlotte Rademaker (formerly Bohm), the daughter of the late Richard and Francis Bohm on April 29, 1983, witnessed by two of their closest friends.

Stewart and Char found peace in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where they owned a second home in Townsend, spending weekends boating and snowmobiling at the lake with family and friends. Stewart was an avid Nascar racing fan and he traveled to many race tracks throughout the country, always cheering for his favorite driver, Matt Kenseth. Stewart’s main passion was golf. He played his whole life, even hitting a hole in one in 2015. Stewart and Char spent their early retirement years going South for the winters, spending time in Arizona, Texas and eventually owned a home in Florida which allowed him to play golf year round. They eventually resided in Lakewood, WI where he enjoyed the ability to drive his golf cart to the course for a round of golf.

Stewart will be deeply missed for his ability to have fun. He enjoyed dancing and a cocktail (or two)! Stewart never missed a chance to talk business, politics or debate any topic. He believed in hard work and encouraged and supported his family to do the same.

Stewart is survived by his wife, Charlotte; four children, Kirk (Lori) Rademaker, Keith Rademaker, Angela (special friend, Oscar) Heilgendorf, Laurel (Chad) Frees; nine grandchildren, Timothy, Quintin, Marsaide, Jeffrey, Desmond and Austin Rademaker; Steven (Alissa) Juech; Sarah (Sean) Kutz; Tyler Oelhafen; eight great grandchildren, Zakadia, Zakai, Sirius, Caesar, Lily, Braedyn, Avah, and Bentley; brother Paul (Sue) Barber; sister in law, Judy Barber; brother in law, Robert (Mary) Bohm and many other friends and relatives.

Stewart was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Glenn Barber.

In accordance with his wishes no formal service will take place. A celebration of his life will be planned for a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice and New Perspective Senior Living. Also, a special thank you to Char for staying by his side through thick and thin and for the care she gave him to his final day.