Barbara L. Moskonas

Barbara Lou Moskonas, 81, of Sparta passed away at her home surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was born on December 28,1944 to Erwin and Irene (Johnson) Neitzel.  She grew up in New Lisbon and graduated from New Lisbon High School in 1963.

After high school, Barbara attended cosmetology school in Milwaukee.  In 1966, Barbara met and married the love of her life, Douglas, and the love birds moved to Stevens Point to build their life together. She worked as a hairdresser for over 30 years in Stevens Point at Tower Beauty Salon, House of Thomas and eventually opened her own salon in their home.  During this time, Barbara also cared for dozens of foster children, many of whom remain in her life, to this day.  Barbara retired in 1994 to pursue her next career, that of a professional grandma, a role she wholeheartedly embraced. 

Barbara was very active; and on her days off from grandma duties, she was busy creating beautiful gardens, sewing everything from quilts to custom teddy bears, curtains for the entire family and cherished "yaya blankies" for every grandchild.  She painted, and refurbished furniture, concrete pottery, stained glass and the list goes on and on.  She was active in her church and volunteered at the nursing home. She loved to serve on various committees and teams, and was known for being very flexible, as long as everyone agreed to do things exactly her way.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Douglas (Lovey Poo); children, Theodore (Janell) Moskonas and Nicole Moskonas; bonus sons, John Ziebel, Nate Newby and adopted son, Todd (Betty) Moskonas; grandchildren, Theodore Cosmo Moskonas, Thaddaeus John (Katrina) Moskonas, Abigail Barbara and Arabella Lyn Newby; and great grandsons, Theodore John, Colter Douglas and Wesley Eugene Moskonas. She is also survived by 6 siblings, including her beloved little sister, Linda Martin; numerous nieces and nephews; lifelong cherished friends; and a line of bonus children, who claim her as their own.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and her best friend of almost 60 years, Marilyn Tucker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lahham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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