Barbara Jean Fricke

Retired educator, beloved sister and aunt, and proud native of the Petersburg community, Barbara Fricke, passed away unexpectedly on May 27, 2026, at her home. Barbara, 75, entered life on November 18, 1950, the youngest of three daughters born to Marion and Clarence Fricke. Although she was born the youngest of the Fricke girls, she would have loved to have changed the dynamics of that birth order to being the oldest and the one in charge. She was fiercely independent and charted her own course wherever she went. Her loss will be acutely felt by her survivors: Her sisters; Patricia Schlobohm of Petersburg and Marcia Feagans (husband Mike) of Prescott, Arizona; her nieces and nephews; Alyssa Campbell (husband Colin) of Seattle, Washington, Jake Feagans (wife Mary) of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Erik Schlobohm (wife Suzanne) of Littleton, Colorado, Trisha Schlobohm of Springfield, Illinois, and Matt Schlobohm of Springfield, Illinois; and six cherished great nieces. Her nieces, nephews, and great nieces were the sunshine in her life. Aunt Barb never missed a holiday or birthday and was always ready to help in any situation. Following her graduation from PORTA where she was valedictorian of her class, she entered the University of Illinois where she graduated with a BS in Education in 1973. She then moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois where she taught second and third grade for thirty years. After her move from the classroom, she was the school librarian for several years. Barbara was bright, funny, opinionated, kind, generous, curious, and a” force to be reckoned with.” Music was an important aspect of her life. She played the violin in community orchestras in the Chicago and in Springfield areas. To her great delight, her great niece, Marion, also plays the violin. She adored the opera and had season tickets in Chicago for years. Barbara had a heart of gold for homeless felines and animals of all kinds. She provided a” Garden of Eden” in her home for 6-7 cats that appeared on her doorstep. She couldn’t tolerate a hungry, homeless cat and took in many. Hiking/walking, reading, exercising, and playing the violin were avid interests in her life. Barb especially enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes stories and mysteries of all varieties. She joined a Sherlock Holmes Book Club and marveled at the literary details in these novels. She loved traveling and was planning a September walking trip to the English countryside. She traveled in Europe with friends and thoroughly enjoyed the art and culture of newfound locations. Her circle of friends who shared these interests were an important and cherished aspect of her life. Barb was a strong advocate for the Petersburg community. She volunteered at the community Food Bank and Wheels on Meals and eagerly participated in many special events in the area. Her home, a block from the square, made it easy to fully participate in all things” Petersburg”. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, June 7th, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Hurley Funeral Home, Petersburg, IL 62675. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Monday, June 8th, 2026, at 11:00 am at Rosehill Cemetery. Memorials in Barbara’s honor can be made to the Menard County Food Pantry 119 W Douglas Street Petersburg, Illinois 62675 or to MAP; Menard Animal Protection 125 W Concord Drive Petersburg, Illinois 62675 Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared online at hurleyfh.com

Barbara Jean Fricke

November 18, 1950 - May 27, 2026

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