Jack (John C.) Barnhardt, 85, of the Town of Brunswick, passed away peacefully at his home
surrounded by family on Monday, June 7th. Born January 20, 1936, to Clifford and Madge
(Harrington) Barnhardt, and grew-up in and around Eau Claire and Osseo. He graduated from
Eau Claire High School in 1953. Jack joined the U.S. Marines in 1954, serving a short-time
before receiving a medical discharge.
A life-long musician and singer, Jack performed regionally, as well as, Milwaukee, Racine and
Minnesota. After 30 years in music, he began his career in construction. Jack married the love
of his life, Dana Potts, on July 18, 1981. They would have celebrated 40 years next month.
He is survived by his wife, Dana, children Mike (Sue) Barnhardt, Kim Czerwinski, Jody (Gary)
Stratton, Peggy (Chuck) Wenzel, Cindy Wirth, Robin (Brenda) Barnhardt, Mark Barnhardt,
Nicole (Carl) Holmen, and Kelly Farrell; 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one on
the way.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings William and Tom Barnhardt and Jeanne
Reali, and granddaughter Grace.
He loved his campers, never satisfied with the one he had. He loved his trips to Texas in the
winter. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved camping, listening to the Brewers and watching
his favorite Packers.
He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, and especially his beloved Golden Retriever
“Jack”, whom he walked every day down Jene Road riding his golf cart.
Visitation will be held at the Smith Funeral Chapel, 2222 London Road, Eau Claire, on Saturday,
June 12, 10am – 1pm, followed by a service at 1pm. The family invites you to join them at 3pm
for fellowship at VFW Post 7232, 2900 W. Folsom Street.
Private burial to be held at a later date.
When you hear a country song, think of me…….
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RIP in Uncle Jack. You had a long and full filled life, and will be missed by all.
Love Kathy
Sorry for your loss, Jack was a great guy, enjoyed my time with him.
So sorry for your lost, Dana. My prayers to your whole family! With love and God’s Blessings!! Aunt Bonnie.
Many things to miss about Dad… one thing that stands out is his singing and strumming the guitar around the campfire while camping. (Within a short time many strangers staying at the same campground would gather around our campfire and marvel as I gazed on in pride)… Teaching me that if I play with that very same campfire that I will wet the bed… Teaching me to hunt and reminding me that I had to eat everything that I shot (squirrels, bunnies, birds, deer)….Teaching my 5 year old body that pouring salt on the many leeches covering my unmentionables causes them to detach (hmmm?)… Teaching me to fish and water ski, even when there were still chunks of ice floating on the lake… Teaching me that the Corn Palace in South Dakota looks the same every summer… Teaching me that it’s OK to eat a burger, even if it originated from the calf that I helped to raise… Teaching me that life is full of ups and downs but perseverance and never losing hope is the measure of a true man… Dad, thanks for just being my Dad, loving, supporting, and proud of me and as well as my gaggle of sibs.
I have many happy memories of Jack, starting with helping him get ready for his wedding with Dana, then coming over with his guitar to entertain us, and on and on. He was a great friend and neighbor. He will surely be missed by many, and I feel blessed to have known him. I’m sure he’s singing and playing with all the greats who were waiting for him in Heaven. Rest in Peace!
Uncle Jack we will miss you so much!
You, Daddy ,Uncle Tom ,Aunt Jeanne
Grandpa Cliff and Grandma Madge are wearing your wings, fly high and be pain free.We love and will miss you until we meet again.Love your niece Mary and Family
So sorry for your loss dana jack was a kind man im glad I got to meet him years ago my condolences to you and family
Our deepest sympathies for you loss.
Uncle Jack, running into you the last few years was always a joy and a treasured memory. Your pride in family, shone for everyone to see. Sharing history was always a delight. I’ll miss looking forward to the next time we meet. You earned your wings for a life well loved.
First met Jack at Menards, where I worked. He would come in and order material, knew exactly what he wanted and exactly when he wanted it. When he was building garages, he was always on top of prices and quality. We got along great. One day he invited me over to his house, somewhere outside of Eau Claire, cannot remember where exactly, but we talked about a bunch of stuff. . One of the good guys.
Dana I am so sorry for your loss! I know jack and don are together! Sorry I couldn’t make the funeral, I have a tear in my meniscus in my knee! My prayers are with you and your family! We will get together soon! Love you ? Shannon ( ma)
Why? I ask myself that question over & over again…I so loved the life we we had, I wouldn’t have changed it for anything in the world, you fulfilled me and made me whole, we weren’t done living our life together…I Miss you so much, you Jack are my one True Love, Nothing will ever change the Love I have for you!
I will see you again, until then wait for me! I Love You…Me!