Barbara M. Heezen

Barbara “Barb” Heezen May 1, 1948 – April 17, 2025 Barbara “Barb” Heezen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to family. Born on May 1, 1948, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Barb was the daughter of Francis “Bud” Vander Zanden and Hildegarde “Hilde” (Klemm) Vander Zanden. As the oldest of seven children, she was a guiding light to her siblings—Cathy (Ken), Robert (Lynn), Denise (Micky), David (Cathy), Jo Ann (Mike), and Sue. Barb deeply valued and treasured the relationships with her siblings, in particular, her sisters, finding strength, laughter, and companionship in their lifelong bond. On June 16, 1978, Barb married the love of her life, James “Jim” Heezen, gaining three more siblings in Rita Pieschek, Anna-Marie Wavrunek, and Fred Heezen. Together Barb & Jim built a life with love and devotion to family. She was a dedicated professional at Associated Bank before choosing to retire early to care for her first grandchild, Chase—a testament to the selfless devotion she showed to those she loved. Barb was incredibly proud of her sons, Nicholas (Heather) and Nathan (Christina), admiring the careers they built and the families they formed. She treated her daughters-in-law as her own, welcoming them with warmth and love. Her four treasured grandchildren—three grandsons, Chase, Jackson, and Abel, and a granddaughter, Monroe—will forever carry the depth of her love in their hearts. She took joy in the lives and successes of her nieces, nephews and their respective families, celebrating their achievements and milestones with pride and love. Friendship was an integral part of Barb’s life, and she was blessed with lifelong friends who meant the world to her. She is survived by her dear friends Gloria Siudzinski and Barb & Tom Huettl, whose love and support enriched her life. Beyond her family and friendships, Barb dedicated her time to serving others, offering comfort, care, and coupons to those in need. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a member of St. Jude’s Church, where she found community and strength. She was preceded in death by her father Bud, her adoring mother and best friend Hilde, her loving sister Denise, father-in-law Andrew Heezen, mother-in-law Martha (VandenLangenberg) Heezen, her brothers-in-law Alex Pieschek, Donnie Wavrunek, Micky Zasoba, Ken La Tour, sister-in-law Dolores Heezen, nephew Tom Heezen, and niece Bonnie Pieschek. She was also preceded in death by her special friends Danny Siudzinski and Patty Black, whom she cherished deeply. Barb had the biggest, most giving heart—always putting others before herself and offering unwavering kindness to everyone she met. A memorial service to celebrate Barb’s life will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division Street. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Domonique Wambui, OFM officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army Green Bay or Unity Hospice, honoring her compassionate spirit. The family would like to offer a warm and heartfelt thank you to the staffs of Grancare Nursing Home and Unity Hospice for all of their loving care and compassion- your kindness will never be forgotten Barb’s love, laughter, and generosity will forever be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Barbara M. Heezen

May 1, 1948 - April 17, 2025