Obituary: Barbara Jean Megna

Barbara Jean Megna, of Waukesha, was born to earthly life on Sept. 20, 1932, and was welcomed by a host of angels on the Lord's Day, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013.  She passed peacefully with her immediate family at her side.  Barbara was a youthful 80 when she was taken unexpectedly after a short illness. 

She was born in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Walter and Ann (nee Finger) Jahnke.  Barbara married William Bryant Megna on Jan. 31, 1953. She was an active and longtime member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, was an early member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, WINGS (Women in God’s Service), and served gladly anywhere else she could lend her talents.  She walked hand-in-hand with Jesus Christ and devoutly practiced her faith.  She truly was one of God’s soldiers on earth.  Barbara was an active member of the Lambda Pi Chi Sorority of UW-Milwaukee. Barbara loved poetry, word games (at which she was extremely competitive), writing, and reading of many things, especially the Bible. She loved traveling and spending time with family and friends.

 Barbara was an avid seamstress and loved to make things for others.  She enjoyed making flower arrangements and Christmas decorations for all occasions.  The one thing that could make Barbara spring to her feet, regardless of how tired she was, was the chance to dance.  She especially loved polkas and jitterbugs, but most of all, a romantic slow dance with Bill. 

Barbara was the beloved wife of William "Bill" Megna.  Their honeymoon lasted 60 years and six months.  They were their one, their only, and their everything.  She was loved by her adoring children, William (Brenda) Megna, David (Cindy) Megna, Jeffery (Jeanne) Megna and Lynn (Richard) Haugen; Barbara is the blessed grandmother of Erik (Mandy) Haugen, Andrew (Alicia) Haugen, Allison Haugen, Emily Megna, Erin Megna, Carolyn Megna, Bryant Megna; and the best pal of great-grandson, Caiden Megna, who will all miss her greatly.  She is further survived by brothers Richard Jahnke, John (Eleanor) Jahnke, and those relatives, friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ also touched by her generous spirit and loving soul, who will remember her fondly and are as numerous as the sands on the beach.  Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in law, Louise.

The family will greet people from 10 a.m. until the time of the 11 a.m. Celebration of Barbara's life service, on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1205 S. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186.  Pastor Peter Schmidt will be officiating.  Private burial took place at Prairie Home Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Barbara's name appreciated to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Please take time to reflect on Barbara's impact on your life and pray for the emotional support of her family.  Please also feel free to send Bill a short message or story of your favorite time with Barbara.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family.  For further information, please call 262‑542‑6609, or for directions, an online obituary, or to leave a condolence, please visit http://www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com.