Barbara J. Kosmal, age 84 of Shawano, passed away peacefully due to a short illness on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at The Courtyard at Bellevue in Green Bay. Barbara was born on July 15, 1940, in Oconto, a daughter of the late Woodrow and Marjorie (Messenger) Van Hecke. Barbara attended Oconto High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. Following high school, she began her lifelong career as a hot lunch cook at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Shawano. On July 26, 1958, Barbara was united in marriage to Myron J. Kosmal at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oconto. Following their marriage the couple lived in Oconto for a short time until they relocated to their forever home in Shawano. After 26 years as a lunch cook, Barbara happily retired. She held a special place in her heart for all the children she got to meet through the years at the school, she truly loved her job. Her husband Myron preceded her in death on March 31, 2017. She loved traveling, bird watching, and most of all gardening. Barbara was very family oriented. She always put her family first and cherished the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Survivors include her two children, Marsha (Steve) Kosmal-Orr, and Bradley Kosmal; grandchildren, Moriah (Sebastian) Tous-Bryant and Garrett (Brittni) Larson; great-grandchild, Henry Tous-Bryant; and six siblings, Jim Van Hecke, Kathy (Richard “Dick”) Olm, Mike (Sue) Van Hecke, Steve (Jeannette) Van Hecke, Joe (Vicki) Van Hecke, and Dave (Kay) Van Hecke. Barbara is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Judy Saunders, and Mary Hanes; sister-in-law, Kathy Van Hecke; and brothers-in-law, Sam Saunders, and Terry Hanes.
In keeping with Barbara’s wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of plants and flowers, the family prefers memorials in Barbara’s name to Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
“The family would like to thank Father Charles Hoffman for his support and friendship with Barbara throughout the years, along with the staff at The Courtyard at Bellevue for the compassionate care that mom received.”
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