Barbara Jean Springer, 81, most recently of Palatine, Illinois, passed away on January 28, 2023. She was born in Monroe, Wisconsin to Eugene and Bernice Elmer, the first of their six children. She graduated from Argyle High School and LaCrosse State University (later the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse) with a degree in Physical Education. Barbara decided to move to Hawaii with a friend after graduating from college, as she was sick of the cold Midwestern weather. "Barbara will be back by the fall," her mother famously said. Instead, she ended up staying in Hawaii for almost 50 years and established a successful career as an elementary school PE teacher. She taught for 32 years, retiring in 2002.

She met Navy man Paul Springer amongst a group of friends while working part-time at the Pearl Harbor Naval Officers Club, and they ended up falling in love and marrying in December of 1970. Together, they raised two daughters in the community of Ewa Beach after Paul retired from active duty in 1980. Faith was the cornerstone of her life. Barbara was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Ewa Beach, and then Christ Lutheran Church in Mililani for many years. She relocated back to the Midwest to be closer to her daughters in 2017, eventually making her way to Palatine in 2021.

Barbara loved books, movies, and cultural events of all kinds. She dearly loved her family and greatly enjoyed traveling with her sister Irene and her daughters after retiring. She took several cruises and road trips and was thrilled to take special trips with her daughters to London, England and Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Even as her health began to decline, she still had a wonderful trip to Door County, Wisconsin, with her daughters, son-in-law, and son-in-law's family.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of almost 40 years, Paul; her sister, Irene Muesing; and her sister-in-law, Suzanne Elmer.

She is survived by her daughters Michelle Springer and Kristi (Douglas) Connell; her sister Kathleen (Tom) Harrington; brothers Kenneth Elmer, Steven (Sandra) Elmer, and John Elmer; and brothers-in-law Jerry Springer and William Muesing. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends will cherish memories of her quick wit and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held in New Glarus, Wisconsin in the spring. Her family wishes to thank Solstice Senior Living of Palatine, Accurate Private Care, Meridian Health Care, and JourneyCare Hospice for their care for Barbara in her last years of life.