Barbara Ann Peickert, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2025, after bravely battling Parkinson’s disease with dignity and grace.

Born in Graceville, Minnesota to Clare and Verna Duffield, Barb grew up on her family’s farm in Browns Valley alongside her sister Connie and brother David. She graduated from Browns Valley High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Minnesota.

Barb began her distinguished career in healthcare at the University of Minnesota Hospital, where she spent 14 years as a staff nurse in the transplant and dialysis units before becoming the clinical director of Inpatient Services at the university’s Masonic Center. In 1980, she accepted a position at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, Wisconsin, working as Director of Nursing while simultaneously pursuing her Master’s degree in Health Care Management. In 1986, she was named CEO of Hayward Hospital, a role she held for 25 years.

Throughout her career, Barb received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association. She served two terms on the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s board of directors and held leadership roles in several civic organizations, including the Hayward Development Corporation, Regional Hospice Board, and Hayward Rotary Club. She also formed a Parkinson’s Support Group.

Barb opened her heart and her home to numerous exchange students over the years. It was a wonderful experience for both her family and the students that got to experience Hayward in a loving and caring environment.

Barb was a leader among leaders, a woman ahead of her time in the healthcare field. She was known for her kindness, empathy, and unwavering support for others. She was a mentor, a confidant, and a shining example of fairness and compassion. She made it her lifelong mission to ensure better healthcare, not only for her community, but as far as she was able to reach.

Beyond her professional life, Barb had a lifelong love for horses, a passion she shared with her husband, Lanny. Together, they embarked on countless riding adventures, from Horseshoe Lake to the trails of Colorado and South Dakota. They made many very special horse friends they shared their dinner, their campfire, and plenty of horse stories. Their barn was a gathering place for friends and family, a place where everyone was welcome. It was where they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and hosted family reunions. Barb was always happy to saddle a horse to give someone a ride. It was a special place where you could always find a friend if you needed one.

Barb was also an avid reader who passed her love of books down through generations. Weekly family outings to exchange books at the library were a cherished routine. She was always planning fun adventures for her family. Winter picnics, hikes through the woods, fishing by the river, sledding parties in the gravel pit, family vacations, and visits to see family are just some to name a few. You could always count on something good cooking in the kitchen and a spot at the table. Family game night and spirited card games were a staple at the Peickert home.

Barb was always an active member of the church. She loved to sing and spent many years singing in the church choir and directing the children’s choir. She belonged to a very special Bible study group for many years.

Upon retiring, Barb continued to enjoy life to the fullest – walking with her group of friends, volunteering at her church, and spending time with her friends. She especially liked visits with her grandchildren.

Barb touched many lives. She leaves behind many cherished friends.

Barb is survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Lanny Peickert; daughter Ann (Peickert) Peterson; granddaughter Megan Peterson (Michael Knapton); great-grandchildren Maddux and Millie Knapton; son Ross (Corinne) Peickert; son Ryan (Jen) Peickert; grandchildren Finley and Nora Peickert; brother David (Candy) Duffield; brother-in-law Steve (Roxanne) Peickert; and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clare and Verna Duffield; sister Connie Duffield; father-in-law Garmen Peickert; mother-in-law Lorraine Peickert; and brother-in-law Greg Peickert.

Visitation will be held at Wesleyan Church located at 10655 Nyman Ave, Hayward, Wisconsin, beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow at the church. Graveside services will be held at a later date in Browns Valley, Minnesota.

Last Update: May 12, 2025 1:38 pm CDT