Barbara Lucille Harnowski

Barbara Lucille Harnowski, 63, Green Bay, passed away from health complications surrounded by family and friends on November 21, 2023. Barb was born in Green Bay to Robert and Ione (LaCombe) Bristol on May 6, 1960. She was the third of five children. Growing up, her love for travel began with her father’s job with General Motors. There was always a car for many road trips all over the country, and the family was transferred from Green Bay to Wausau to Naperville, IL to Bloomington, MN to Medfield MA.

At the age of 17, while living in Medfield, Barb was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease now known as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Against the odds, Barb defied the odds and defeated her cancer. This inspired her passion for living her life to the fullest. She would experience lifelong effects from the cancer treatments and never expected to have children. In the late 70s, Barb moved back to Green Bay to take care of her deaf grandmother. While caring for her grandmother, Barb met Rick, the love of her life. Rick and Barb got married on December 21, 1981. Three sons later (Daniel, Joshua and Ryan), Barb had once again defied the odds. Her boys became the shining light of her miraculous life. In spite of her health complications, Barb created beautiful life experiences with her love of travel, music, animals and gardening to inspire a love of life for her boys.

While raising their boys, Barb and Rick were hard at work building their business. Barb having a medical background was instrumental in the writing and passing of tattoo regulations at the city, county and state levels. Alongside Rick, Barb was the pillar of Tattoos By Rick helping to build it from the ground up. During this time, Barb was working at Rennes Health Center before changing careers to work for Green Bay Public Schools in food service. Barb worked for the public schools for twenty plus years before health complications forced her into an early retirement. 

Then her greatest dream came true – six grandchildren – Alina, Gavin, Anden, Caleb, Calyx and Caison. They brought so much joy to her life and gave her the name “LuLu.” Although Barb was deep in her health complications, she battled to enjoy every minute and every experience with her grandchildren.

Barb had always enjoyed traveling and seeing the beauty in the world. She was always ready for a new adventure. Just like her father, she loved cars and driving. Barb was usually the driver for all the rides and vacations with her mother and sister, family and friends. Barb and Rick loved vacations with family and friends. There were many trips with their kids. Going up north and to Brewer games with their lifelong friends Nancy and Charlie was always so special. Gena, her best friend and travel partner, went on so many trips, cruises and vacations that sometimes no one knew where they really were. Their quick trips to Milwaukee somehow turned into trips to Chicago and even New Orleans a couple of times. Gena also traveled to the Cleveland Clinic with Barb when Rick could not so that Barb could continue her fight to live her life to the fullest.

Barb had a strong and fierce passion for her family and everything she believed in. Her gigantic heart believed in love and kindness for everyone and all living things. Her passion for animals was well-known, for dogs in particular. She believed the world would be a better place if people learned from the unconditional love of a dog. Her achievements and all the impossible odds that she overcame in life are nothing short of incredible. Her will to live and to enjoy life has inspired us all. Barb’s legacy will live on through all who met her. She was a miracle, she was… SIMPLY THE BEST!

Barb is survived by her beloved husband, Rick; son, Dan and wife Laura, their kids Gavin and Caleb; son, Josh and wife Katie, their kids Alina, Anden, Calyx and Caison; son, Ryan; brothers, Bob and Bill and sister, Nancy. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert and her mother, Ione; and her brother, Burt; and many other loved ones. 

While her surviving family and friends are grieving, Barb’s spirit is fighting to help them laugh again and live life to the fullest. 

Barb’s family would like to invite family and friends to join them for her celebration of life. It will be held December 7th from 3pm to 8pm at D2 Sports Pub Stadium District, 788 Armed Forces Dr, Green Bay, WI 54304

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary, Mit Liebe German Shepherd Dog Rescue or the Wisconsin Humane Society in Barb’s name.

Malcore (West) Funeral Home is serving the family.