Barbara Ann (nee Kosir) Pallan, 87 years of Dousman, WI was born to eternal life on Friday, April 24, 2026. Beloved wife of James. Dear mother to Scott (Jane) Pallan and Dawn (Don) Janczak. Proud and cherished Grandmother to Janelle (Derek Schroedl) Pallan, Dana (Ian Buchman) Pallan and Danielle (Michael) Fenlason.
Born in Wauwatosa, WI on May 23, 1938, to Jack and Theresa (nee Gagliano) Kosir. Barb was their first child, joined by sister Jackie and brothers John, Salvatore “Teddy” and Daniel. She spent her childhood in Milwaukee, WI on Lyon Street, attended St. Rita School, where she received first communion and confirmation and then Riverside High School. Her faith was an important part of her life.
Barb told her children and husband it was love at first sight when she met Jim at the skating rink at St. John’s Cathedral. They were married on October 29, 1955, in Milwaukee, WI. and shortly thereafter headed to New Braunfels, Texas where Jim was serving in the Air Force. They enjoyed a long, wonderful life together, celebrating their 70th Anniversary on October 29, 2025. During their marriage they also lived in Milwaukee, Hales Corners, New Berlin, Mukwonago and Dousman, WI making wonderful friends all along the way. Barb and her husband were active in neighborhood and community events, especially enjoying the Hales Corners July 4th activities for many years.
Barb worked in retail, most notably at Drews Department Store and later Reiman Publishing. She volunteered at 10 Chimneys for 10 years, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Mukwonago, WI since 2015, helped at the polls for 15 years of elections, and over the years volunteered for numerous church functions.
Traveling as much as possible, Barb and Jim enjoyed time in Texas, Florida, Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Hawaii. They really loved to spend time by the ocean and on the beach, frequently going with family and friends.
Special times with family made Barb so happy. She always looked forward to these gatherings and holidays. In later years she loved her time spent with the cousins laughing and reminiscing.
Barb’s Granddaughters brought her immense joy. She was so proud of them and never missed the opportunity to attend their various activities. They laugh when remembering how she would sneak treats and snacks in a big purse for sharing at the movies. Grandma’s trusty electric griddle (don’t forget the ruler to level it) produced delicious heart imprinted pancakes full of her love. Spend the night and you would find her happily pouring magic into her pan in the morning. Always a requested dish!
Barbara was an amazing woman and all who knew her will miss her joyful spirit and zest for life.
In addition to her beloved husband, children, and grandchildren, Barbara is survived by sister Jackie (Tony) Guarniere, brothers John (Lori) Kosir and Daniel (Mickey) Kosir, brothers in law Jerry (Cathy Denning) Pallan, Jack (Olga) Pallan, sisters in law Bonnie (Ralph) Ebenhoe, Terry Nelson, Darlene Walker and Cindy Meyer.
In addition to her parents and grandparents, Barbara was preceded in death by her parent-in-laws, brother Salvatore “Teddy” Kosir, brother and sister-in-law Dick and Pat Pallan, sister-in-law Dottie Pallan, and brother-in-law Larry Fromm.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful care Barbara received from her doctors and all staff at Aurora Hospital and Clinics in Oconomowoc, WI as well as all directors and support staff (too numerous to name) at Three Pillars Senior Living Community, Dousman, WI for their continued care and genuine love and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any of the following organizations that were close to Barb’s heart…
Lupus Foundation of America www.lupus.org
American Heart Association www.heart.org
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 8 at 11AM, followed by a memorial service at NOON at St. James the Less Catholic Church in Mukwonago (830 E Veterans Way).
FAMILY IS WHERE LIFE BEGINS AND LOVE NEVER ENDS
