Obituary of Barbara Ann Burdick

Barbara Ann (Olson) Burdick died April 27, 2024. She was born March 16, 1938 to Emory and Belle (Cooke) Olson. Barbara loved growing up on Breezy Hill Farm, where she explored the apple orchard and raised her championship cow. Barbara met Frank Burdick at Stout State University in 1956. They were married on June 8, 1958. They had an imperfectly perfect life together. Part of his heart has gone with her. Barbara thrived on church and community involvement, cooking, gardening, entertaining, reading, flower arranging, and above all spending time with those she loved. She inspired many people through her work at UW Stout, especially women. We miss her laugh, her ability to learn from life, her optimism, and so many other facets of her indomitable spirit. Barbara’s family, friends, coworkers, and students could all rely on her constant support and encouragement. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Lynette (Olson) Hillman. She is deeply missed by her husband Frank, daughters Susan (Bob) Carrigan, Ann Salt, Kathryn (Bill) Steib, grandchildren Becky (Pete) Slabiak, Jacob Carrigan (Partner, Stephani Pescitelli), Joshua Salt (Mary Mondlock), Marcus Carrigan (Christi Brauer), Emily Salt, Abigail Steib, and Melanie Steib, great grandchildren Etta, Elsie, Eleanor, and Emory Slabiak, nieces, nephews, and many good friends. We are grateful to the dedicated staff of both The Neighbors in Menomonie and Johanna Shores in Arden Hills, Minnesota for the love and care they gave Barbara in these recent years. Barbara's memorial will be held Saturday, June 8 at the United Church of Christ, 420 Wilson Avenue, Menomonie, WI 54751. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:30, service at 11:30, and luncheon following. If you are so inclined, wear colors that reflect her spirit! Memorials may be made to P.E.O. Chapter DX to support educational opportunities for women.