Barbara Ann Blaha passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, with her family by her side.

Barb was born in Kenosha, WI to Geraldine and Edgar Sr. Gastaldi on March 10th, 1938. She had 2 older brothers and 3 younger sisters.

She attended St. Catherine’s High School, Racine, where she was honored to be the Sodality Prefect and where she met Richard (Dick) Blaha. Barb and Dick later married at St. James Catholic Church, Kenosha. Barb lived her life as a devout Catholic and raised her children with her faith.

She spent the 60’s and 70’s raising 8 kids, now there are 16 grandchildren and 17 ¾ great grandchildren.

Some of her favorite memories included skydiving in her 50’s and Summer Grandma Camp with the grand kids. She had many collections and her crowning glory was her Spirit House.

She cherished her family and had a fear of missing out. Dinners, camping trips, trivia, and cribbage tournaments were some of her favorite times. Her children will carry on the traditions of Sauerbraten and biscotti and of course, heart-shaped ravioli on Valentine’s Day.

She was an avid painter and loved her garden, roses were her favorite. She had a large community of friends that kept her calendar full.

Decoupage, craft fairs and Creations by Barb (silk wedding flowers) were some of her creative outlets that provided her fun money.

She is survived by her 8 children Rick (Diane), Terri, Randy, Russ (Sue), Traci (Mike), Tina, Jane, and Ronn (Deb); 16 grandchildren Mike, Tina (Brandon), Tricia (Tim), Tera, Cori (Garrett), Tami (Alwin), TJ, RJ (Ashley), CJ (Clara), Samantha (Steven), Ryan, Tessa, Ricky, Taylor, Sarah, Rachel; 17 great-grandchildren Barb (aka Babs), Jaxon, Reagan, Myles, Malcolm, Lyra, James, Max, Xay, Lexy, Nora, Cayden, Clark, Conner, Callum, Henry, Pia and one on the way. She is further survived by her sisters Pat Frieman, Carol (Bruce) Fredrickson, Mary Kessenich (Dan) and many more family members and friends.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 34 years, Dick Blaha, and her brothers Edgar Jr. and Julius and sister-in-law Marybel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place with her family at a later date.