Barbara Ann Lucht, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024, surrounded by her family after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s dementia.
Born in Menasha, Wisconsin, on April 1, 1932, Barb was the daughter of William and Amanda (Koeppe) Syring. She graduated from Menasha High School in 1950 and began working at Wisconsin Tissue Mills. Barb was thankful to earn her own money so she could splurge on “whipped cream sandwiches.” While working, she met James Lucht, and they were married on March 1, 1958. Eventually, Jim was able to convince his Menasha Bluejay-loving bride to move to the archrival side of the tracks and live in Neenah. Two daughters came along soon afterwards, and Barb dedicated her time to raising them.
Thanks to her father, Barb was an avid Cubs fan, even occasionally taking the train to Chicago to watch games! She also loved the Packers, collecting cards and other memorabilia. Cooking, baking, and sewing were among her favorite hobbies. When the grandkids came to visit, Barb enjoyed playing games with them and made sure there was plenty of food and candy. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor, even in her last days. She loved animals, most of all her “grandpups” Cookie and BooBoo, who would sit on her lap for hours at a time.
Barb grew up attending First Fundamental Church (now Calvary Bible Church) of Neenah. In adulthood she recognized her sinful state and need for Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. As a long-time member of Calvary, she loved the Lord and served faithfully in many capacities. She cared for infants in the nursery, served as a deaconness in the kitchen, and was active in various children’s ministries. She would see a task that needed to be done and just dive in and do it. Barb’s goal, whether selling Tupperware, or stuffing bulletins at church, or cleaning house for elderly ladies, was to serve Jesus by assisting others.
Barb is survived by her loving husband of almost 67 years, Jim; as well as their two daughters, Allison Lucht of Neenah, Wisconsin, and Brenda (Rob) Mansfield of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; four grandchildren, Sydney Mansfield in Kuwait, Isaac (Lauren) Mansfield of Albion, Indiana, Ethan (Sierra) Mansfield of Grant, Michigan, and Micah (Natalie) Mansfield of Winona Lake, Indiana. She is further survived by her younger brother, Ken (Kathy) Syring of Menasha, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, William and Amanda Syring; and her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Winnie Syring.
A service celebrating the life of Barbara Lucht will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Calvary Bible Church, 1450 Oakridge Rd, Neenah, WI, with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and a link will be posted as soon as it’s available.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Prairie Homes and Heartland Hospice for attending to Barb’s needs with such tenderness and kindness. You have been like a second family to us! Special thanks to Janet Burwitz for going out of her way to check in on Barb and to minister to the rest of the family.
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