Barbara Lynn
(Brannen) Dalpiaz; a.k.a Katie – The Shy One.
 
     Barbara Lynn (Brannen) Dalpiaz, 56, of
14619 N. Valley Rd., Town of Kimball, Hurley, died Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, of a
rare children's cancer called primitive neuroectodermal, at St. Joseph's
Hospital in Marshfield.
     Barb was born on Nov. 29, 1953, in
Pomona, Calif. She lived her life doing for others, with children always as her
highest priority. That was obvious when she told her doctor in October that she
would go through the treatments as long as he promised that the medical staff
and researchers would learn something from it to help children who have
cancer.
     On one of her many road trips, she met
Dick and they had 35 loving years together in Kimball, WI.  Barb left a lasting
impression with every person she met. She really was one-of-a-kind. She enjoyed
her second home, the cottage on Lake-of-the-Falls and especially spending time
with her grandbabies, family and friends. If she wasn’t fishing or hunting, or
working at the Hodag, you could of found her quilting, cooking and
canning.   
     Barb was a very active associate
member of the VVA Gogebic-Iron Range Chapter 529 – the Steak Feed, Mercer Loons
– Loon Party and with many fundraisers including Relay for Life (a 9 year breast
cancer survivor).  She had been an operator of the Y Tavern (R&R Ranch), a
manager at Rose Wreath, and a housecleaner for many.  She helped organize the
Women’s Pool League in Iron County , was a member
of the Kimball Militia, and for years continually applied for the job of her
dreams – working with the D Team.
     She is survived by her husband
Richard; daughter, Christina (Jeff); grandchildren: John, Jace, Jaylee, (Jeff's
daughter Michelle);   in-laws, nieces and nephews : Bill and Nancy Dalpiaz (Melissa,
Michelle, Travis, Kyle and Tyler), Sue and Paul Berger (Matthew, Marcus and
Lindsey), Nancy Dalpiaz, and Joe Dalpiaz. She is also survived by her father and
stepmother, Bill (the Old Goat) and Joanne Brannen; siblings, Sharon Brannen, Frank Brannen
(Frank and Wesley), Bill Brannen (Margie), David Brannen,   David Rideout, and Duane Leach (Amanda, and
Genevieve); and great nieces (7) and great nephews (7). 
     Barb will be missed greatly by her
friends, and all of her Tender Vittles , Camp Meat,
and “Girlfriends”.
     She was preceded in death by her
mother and stepfather, Pepe and Noriene Ferrel; sister-in-law, Donna Brannen;
mother & father in-law, Betty and Joe Dalpiaz; and brother-in-laws, Don and
Robert Dalpiaz.
     The family would like to thank Dr.
Stuart Tipping, the Marshfield Clinic , and all the
staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield . Thank
you also to the Hope Lodge ( American Cancer Society ) where she spent the last four
months battling cancer.
      Visitation will take place Saturday, March
6, 2010, at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood,
from 12-2 pm with services at 2 pm. A Celebration of Life party in honor of Barb
will be at the Hurley Inn from 3 pm-?; potluck, music, drinks and fun memories. 
If you need accomodations there are rooms reserved under Barb.
     In leau of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to the Hope Lodge (American Cancer Society), 611 W.
Doedge St., Marshfield, Wis. 54449-1925, or to St. Jude's Children's Research of
Wisconsin, 557 Scott St., Wausau, Wis. 54403-4829.
     Barbie's spirit lives on in all the
kindness that she spread with her beautiful smile. So, when you see a smiley
face, think of Barb and remember what she would say, "everyday is a sprightly
day".
     Arrangements are entrusted to
McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood