Barbara Ermi

Barb was born on Aug. 2, 1935, in Milwaukee. She was the second born daughter to Casmir and Marie (Pierzchalski) Durka followed by another sister and brother. Growing up in hard times Barb had many responsibilities. Being a devoted daughter, she quit school to take on a job to help the family.

Whenever she had an extra quarter, she’d sneak out and grab the bus to watch the Braves (now Brewers). Always making sure to get home before her parents or it would not end well for her. Her love of baseball always stayed with her. Barb was a lead pitcher in a women’s league. To this day she’d cheer on the Brewers with her homemade scorecard in hand.

Barb met her husband Roger in 1953. They married June 4, 1955. Living in South Milwaukee, their first child, Toni, was born. Barb worked as a machine operator at Allen Bradley, and four years later their son, Perry, arrived. Barb and Roger moved to Wind Lake where Barb became a cashier at the local grocery store. They both became active in the volunteer fire department and helped with community events. They discovered their love for snowmobiling and helped to start a snowmobile club. Ten years after Perry was born, they were surprised and blessed with another son named Allen.

Barb and Roger had become tired of the city, so they packed up and moved to Niagara, Wis. They opened a bar called Dew Drop Inn, building up the business together. It was easy for Barb to make new friends. Barb loved to cook for her patrons and hosting parties. People would come from miles around to hook up with the local rafting company at the bar. Barb started up a bowling league and maintained a 185 average.

After selling the bar, Barb got her log cabin dream home. She was able to spend more time doing the things she loved with her grandchildren (her biggest joy). She attended all of their events. She loved to garden, cook, and do crafts of all kinds. Barb worked at Martens Manufacturing in the shrink wrap department. Barb was a member of Riverside Methodist Church. She volunteered on many committees, made many lifelong friends, and loved her Bible studies.

Barb lost her husband Roger on Jan. 14, 1995, soon after she moved back to town. Barb enjoyed her friends at the senior center, sharing conversation, lunch, and once in a while being able to yell out “BINGO!” She also loved to meet with her fellow Red Hatters. Barb was a mother who loved her family unconditionally. She was a Warrior of Courage and Strength. Throughout her life she kicked cancer’s butt nine times. The 10th she couldn’t. Barb fought hard and strong, never giving up.

She is the Daughter of the King, who always walked with her in battle. Barb said that she was “going to take it all on in order to end this generational curse of cancer” on her family. Barb also helped others with prayers, comfort, strength, and words of encouragement in their own cancer battles. Barb will be deeply missed and always loved by those who knew her. Fly High With The Angels, Mom.

Barbara is survived by her children, Toni (Brian) Higgins, Perry (Kristine) Ermi, and Allen (Amy) Ermi; grandchildren, Rob (Jessica) Garvaglia, Nicky Garvaglia (Tom Robitaille), Jeremy (Jaclyn) Wabiszczewicz, Zack (Hailey) Sargent, Brooke (Austin) Harvath; great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn Erickson, Aliyah, Travis, and Jesse Garvaglia, Emma Boverhuis, Fletcher and Gunther Sargent, Rowen Harvath; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Sue) Ermi, John (Lois) Ermi, and Jerry Hoedel; and many other family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Barb is preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Anthony and Dorothy Ermi; sisters, Alice Hoedel, Diana Ciano; brother, Sonny Durka; and brother-in-law, Jerry Ermi.

Barb’s family extends a special thank you to Pastor Deb of Riverside Methodist, Dr. Morel, Dr. Beth Schroeder, Dr. Kristie Olson, and the staff of Maryhill Manor for the exceptional care they all gave to Barb. Love and Hugs to Audrey Kelly, Barb’s Maryhill roommate, for her compassion and prayers for Barb and Toni. Much love to Sarah Gospodarek for always being there for Mom and just for being you.

The family is planning a spring celebration of life for Barb on May 10, 2025.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Barbara Joan Ermi online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.