Barbara Jean (Payne) Heim, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, passed away peacefully at age 89 on July 18, 2026.

Barb was born on May 17, 1937, in Menominee, MI. She graduated from Menominee High School in 1955.   She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Robert (Bob) Heim, her parents, Clarence (Peanuts) and Violet Payne, her sister Kathleen (Payne) Kehoe, brother James (Jim) Payne, stepmother Ruth Payne.

She is lovingly survived by children John (Judy) Heim, Lori (Jay) Heinecke, and Lynne (Mark) Enright; grandchildren Jamie (Emily) Heinecke, Jaden Heinecke, Makayla Heim, Amy (Andrew) Steinberger, and Rob Enright; great‑grandchildren Charlie and Caroline Heinecke; sisters-in-law Pat Hnilicka, Barbara Firme, and Pat Payne; and many nieces and nephews.

Barb married the love of her life Robert Heim on August 30, 1958, in Menominee, MI. The couple lived in Albert Lea, MN and Menasha, WI, before moving to Appleton, WI, where they were residents and members of St. Bernadette Parish for more than 60 years.

Barb worked for the Appleton School District as a Teacher's Aide for many years.  Her patience, compassion and encouragement made a lasting difference in the lives of countless children.  Several of her former students asked her to be their Confirmation sponsor.

She was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers and rarely missed cheering them on. One of her greatest joys was hosting family and friends for gameday viewing parties, where she delighted in serving a generous spread of Simon's cheese, sausages, and crackers.  Whether celebrating a win or enduring a tough loss, her enthusiasm never faded.

She cherished the friendships of her neighbors on Christine Street. Whether sharing stories over coffee, checking in on one another, or simply visiting across the yards, she found great joy in the friendships that surrounded her. Her warm smile, thoughtful conversations, and willingness to lend a hand helped create a true sense of community. She made everyone feel welcome and will be remembered for the kindness, generosity, and genuine interest she showed to those around her.

Family meant everything to Barb; she cherished time spent with loved ones and attended every one of her children's sporting events and activities. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved knitting, creating handmade gifts that will be treasured for generations, and was known for her delicious baking that brought family and friends together. While cooking was never her favorite pastime, she happily made up for it with fresh baked cookies or homemade banana bread that no one could resist.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she is once again with the love of her life, reunited after a lifetime of devotion. We will miss you, Mom.  We love you, Mom. You are and will forever be in our hearts.  God loves you and now you are home with Dad.  We will see you again someday.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:30 AM at St. Bernadette Parish on Friday, July 31, 2026. Visitation will begin prior to Mass from 8:30-10:15 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Appleton Education Foundation: appletoneducationfoundation.org

We are deeply grateful to the Summit Place Senior Living community in Eden Prairie, MN for the care they gave Mom during these final months.

The family thanks all who have offered condolences and support.