Barbara J. Secklin

 Barbara Joan Secklin (nee Wendorf), 93, of Waukesha, WI (formerly Cottonwood, AZ) passed away in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on August 27, 2024. Barbara was born on June 27, 1931, and adopted several years later by Harry and Sydelle Wendorf. She spent half of her life in Milwaukee, WI, raising her children from her first marriage to Ray Ricklin and also second marriage to Leonard Secklin. For several years, she and Leonard operated Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s first state-licensed receiving home for juvenile delinquents, and continued group home fostering for troubled teens in West Allis, WI. Barbara and Leonard moved to Cottonwood, Arizona in 1979 where they continued foster care for adult disabled clients in Flagstaff, AZ, volunteered for and directed local food banks, and were President and Vice President of the Mingus Valley Gem and Mineral Club.

 Barbara was a talented artist, and her many creative pursuits included music, painting, pottery, sculpture, writing poetry, and also designing jewelry, wire-wrapping and weaving, which she also taught. She was a devout nature-lover who spent many years camping, hiking, and swimming, and together with her husband of nearly 56 years (Leonard) traveled the United States and many of the National Parks. Barbara was incredibly well read, and when she relocated to Wisconsin in 2009, with her daughter Sharon’s help and encouragement, wrote and self- published three books about: caregiving for her husband; a children’s book about feeling different; and a paranormal adventure novel.

 Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leonard Secklin, her son Terry Wasserman, her son Daniel Secklin, and her great granddaughter, Ada Mae Jones. She is survived by her five children and their partners: Sharon Ricklin and Robert Stenberg, Richard and Carmen Secklin, Michael and Nina Ricklin, Pam Secklin, and Jean and Michael Swesey. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

 Barbara was an optimist with a positive disposition, sharp wit, and excellent sense of humor. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren loved her immensely and looked to her for wisdom, guidance, and honesty. She will be fiercely missed, long remembered, and live forever in the hearts of all whom she loved and who loved her.

 Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Cremation Society of Waukesha, WI. Further details regarding memorial services will be provided by the family at a later date.