Barbara (Barb) Presser, 92, passed away at Ascension All Saints on Monday November 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in 1933, the daughter of the late Bradford and Alma (nee: Steiner) Emerson.

Barb spent her early years working at St. Mary's Hospital as a nursing aide in Racine, WI. In 1954 Barb joined the United States Air Force as an instructor where she met the love of her life, Charles Presser. They were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Racine in 1955 and in time they were blessed with eight children. After the birth of her last child, Barb attended Dominican College, in Racine, and received her Early Childhood Education degree. She co-developed the P-COC (Parent Child Oriented Classroom) program with Racine Unified School District where "Mrs. Presser" remained employed until her retirement in 1995. Barb was a member of St. Richard's Parish (formerly Holy Name Parish) for almost 60 years. She was also a member of Wednesday Optimists of Racine, Red Hat Club, Sons of Norway, T.O.P.S (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Catholic Women's Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and was very passionate about Cops n' Kids Reading Program of Racine. She was unable to just "join" a club as she assumed many different leadership positions in each of her clubs. Barb's entire life was spent with the attitude of having an open door, open arms, and an open heart where everyone was welcome. Her love of travel had taken her around the globe with her favorite city being New Orleans.

She is survived by her children: Kevin (Sherry) Presser of Mt. Pleasant, Sheila (Robert) Anderson of Austin, TX, Shaun (Darla) Presser of Ft. Myers, FL, Terrance Presser of Racine, Kerri Stephenson of Austin, TX, Michaela (Gary) O'Connor of Milwaukee, Eileen (Bill) McLaughlin of Strasburg, VA, her open arm children: Mike Lewis of Racine, Tracy (Rick) Kutch of Caledonia, and Linda Crandall of Racine, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Charles, her son Patrick, her parents, siblings, Kenneth (Jeanette) Emerson, Suzanne (Thomas) Graham, son-in-law Jim Stephenson, and many other relatives and friends.

Service Details

Her Memorial Catholic Mass will be celebrated at St. Richard of Chichester Parish, 1509 Grand Avenue, Tuesday November 18 ^th at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held in the church beginning at 9:00 am until the time of service. Following the service there will be fellowship in Vogel Hall located in the lower level of the church. Inurnment, with full military honors, will be in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove, WI after the fellowship at 3:00 pm. To view Barb's Memorial Mass please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/BUokTQ8viR8?si=wJWADQJVdCi94SgW

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin , Sons of Norway ( The Friendly-5th District Local Lodge to Lodge 2026 Campaign 4 the Nordic Legacy Foundation ), Racine Campus | Wisconsin Humane Society , The Main Project and Cafe on State Street in Racine, or the charity of your choice.