Barbara J. Brown

Barbara J. (Van Laanen) Brown, 70, of La Crosse, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse. She was born in Iron Mountain, MI to John “Jack” and Gloria (Mars) Van Laanen.

Barbara grew up in the Iron Mountain area and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1966. She married James Halik of Black River Falls. They were married for 28 years and raised five children together on the family farm. They later divorced.

Barbara worked various jobs including, Mr. G’s, MODO Day, and Ho-Chunk Gaming in Black River Falls. Her greatest reward in life was the love for her family.

Barbara enjoyed watching the Packers and cheering on her kids and grandkids.  She was a jack of all trades from crafting to fixing the lawn mower.

Barbara will be sadly missed by her four children, Eric Halik; Valerie (Michael) Young, both of La Crosse; Tiffany (Curtis) Jerome,; and Brenda (Tim) Zillmer, both of Black River Falls; her two special grandsons, Jordan and Colin Zillmer; a sister, Laura (James) Kmiec, of Naperville, IL; a brother, Daniel Van Laanen, Niagara, WI; her special friend, Robert Garrow, of Iron Mountain, MI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is now joined in heaven with her son, Bradley Halik; sister, Gina Patt; a niece Lisa (Van Laanen) Green; and her parents, John and Gloria Van Laanen.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, April 14, at Trout Run United Methodist Church, N4292 County Highway X, Black River Falls, with Reverend John Paul officiating. Burial will follow in Trout Run Cemetery, Black River Falls. Visitation for Barbara will be on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences may be offered to Barbara’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire 7th floor staff at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse for the exceptional care given to Barbara. They would also like to thank Bob Garrow for the love, support and patience given to her as she took her final leg of her journey on Earth.  Would also like to thank Carl Thompson of La Crosse for assisting Mom.

The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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