Barbara Jewel Werling

Barbara “Barb” Werling, 91, of Fort Atkinson passed away peacefully on the evening of July 4th. She was reunited with her husband, Dick Werling, of 64 years who passed two years prior.

Barb was born in 1931 in Minnesota, daughter of William and Agnus Scott (Brown). She grew up on a dairy farm in Lebonon Township, Minnesota, where she developed her love of riding horses. After high school, she moved to California with her sister before returning to Minnesota to enter St. Barnabas Hospital School of Nursing.

Barb married Richard in 1957, and spent much of their 64-year marriage in or near Fort Atkinson.

Barb had a long and celebrated life as a wife, mother, and friend. In addition to her career as a nurse, Barb was involved with aviation. She was the fourth woman in the state of Minnesota to receive her multi-engine rating as a pilot. Later in life, she was an active volunteer for the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.

Barb transitioned her love for riding into a business of boarding horses, as well as instructional riding. She also had a great passion for photographing, quilting, sewing, and traveling. Early in their marriage, Barb and Dick travelled the world, with much of their time spent in Asia.

Barb is survived by her daughter, Virginia Werling; son, William (Kimberly) Werling; four grandsons: Joshua (Sierra) Werling, Nicholas Werling, Aiden Werling, and Garrett Werling; and two great grandchildren - Wesley and Jesse Werling.

A private ceremony will be held at a yet to be determined date and location. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choosing. Barb’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the memory care staff of Reena Senior Living and the staff at Rainbow Hospice Care.