Barbara J. Brecke, 86, of Southgate Village, Hurley, died peacefully Saturday, June 16, 2012, surrounded by her family, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood.      The former Barbara Gates was born Oct. 11, 1925, in Upson, Wis., daughter of the late Francis and Senia (Hanson) Gates, attended grade school there, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Hurley, Wis. in 1942.      She was united in marriage to Guy L. Brecke on Dec. 24, 1943, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran parsonage in Hurley, by the late Pastor R. C. Horlamus. Guy preceded her in death on Oct. 14, 1962.      Barbara lived in Williams Bay, Wis., where she worked as a cook in various restaurants, from 1970 to 1989, when she returned to Hurley.      She was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hurley. She also was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, board and card games, and loved going to the casino. She especially enjoyed her family and grandchildren.       Surviving are six children, Susan (Charles) Feathers, Cassopolis, Elizabeth (William) Yetter, Westminster, Colo., Howard (Joan) Brecke, Saukville, Wis., Mary Brecke and Paula (James) Gardner, both of Hurley, and Charles (Jodi) Ulczycki, Williams Bay; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; five stepchildren, David Ulczycki, Chicago, Nancy (Dave) Yeiter, LaCrescent, Minn., Karen Pecke, Indianapolis, Ind., and Larry (Dorothy) Ulczycki and Shirley (Andy) Weinzatl, both of Rib Lake, Wis.; numerous step grand and great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald Buccanero, Racine, Wis.; three sisters, Kay Stonemark and Nancy Chart, both of Duluth, Minn., and Marilyn (Ron) Johnson, Joliet, Ill.; a daughter-in-law, Jill Brecke, Iron Belt, Wis.; sisters-in-law, Adeline Brecke, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Polly Brecke, Mellen, Wis., and Barbara Buccanero, Hurley; and numerous nieces and nephews.      Besides her parents and husband, Barbara was predeceased by three children, Joseph Brecke, Marty Brecke, and Burl Brecke in infancy; a great-grandson, Aaron Canalia; her longtime companion, Walter Ulczycki; stepson, Tom Ulczycki; brother, Raymond Buccanero; and sister, Ruth Louise Gates in infancy.      Out of respect for her wishes, cremation has taken place.      Private family services will be held at a later date.      Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Upson.      Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice Services Inc., 100 So. Mill St., Bessemer, MI 49911.      Online condolences can be given to Barbara's family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.