Barbara Ann Richards

Barbara Ann Richards, 69, of the Town of Sevastopol and a lifelong resident of Sturgeon Bay, died Tuesday night, October 21, 2025 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

She was born May 11, 1956 in Sturgeon Bay, the daughter of Leslie "Les" Wilz and Doris Mae (Mielke) Wilz. Barb grew up attending West Side School and Corpus Christi Parish. She graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the class of 1974.

Barb met Robert "Bob" Allan Richards through one of Bob's cousins. They were united in marriage on October 21, 1978 at Bob's home church, Bay View Lutheran Church.

Barb initially worked for Emerson Motors after high school, starting on the assembly line and eventually shifting gears to work in the office, there. She remained with Emerson through the 1980s.

Barb studied office management and administration at Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College in Sturgeon Bay.

She went to work for Great Lakes Staffing in Sturgeon Bay as a staffing specialist. After five years there, Barb continued in a similar role for the Job Center in Cherry Point Mall.

At one point, she was in charge of 600 workers at Bay Shipbuilding Co., when she was the HR assistant there.

Barb was an avid bowler who enjoyed bowling in league at Worley's then in the couples league at Apple Valley Lanes. Whether she was bowling, going on trips, or enjoying dinner or beverage, she loved socializing with friends and those that meant the world to her.

Barb will be deeply missed by her husband, Bob, with whom she was blessed to share 47 years of marriage; brothers, David "Fox" (Kris) Wilz, Donald (Beth) Wilz, and John (Shelly) Wilz, all of Sturgeon Bay; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Henry and Linda (nee Seppi) Richards; infant sister-in-law, Joan Richards.

Friends are welcome to gather with Barb’s family in celebration of her life from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025 in the Town Hall Room (located in the upper level) at the Door County Fire Company, 38 S. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are caring for Barb and her family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Barb may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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