Barbara Gaffney

Barbara June Gaffney, affectionately known as Barb to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at her home in Arpin, Wisconsin, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on January 13, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Vernon and Audrey (Andersen) Bundick, Barb was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life.

Barb’s formative years were spent in Milwaukee, and she later moved to Marshfield, where she attended Marshfield Senior High School. Barb’s heart found its true calling in family and service to others. On March 20, 1976, she married James Gaffney at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, it blessed her with three wonderful children who became the center of her world.

Barb was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, sharing in the joys and milestones of her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she devoted her life to them with unwavering love and gentle kindness.

Professionally, Barb found her niche as a pharmacy technician at Walmart in Marshfield, where she was known for her caring nature and warm smile. Her colleagues and customers alike appreciated her kindheartedness and dedication.

Barb’s interests were a reflection of her love for the simple pleasures in life. She found joy in diamond art and cherished the warm days spent outside with her loyal canine companions, Coco and later, Otis. Barb’s gentle spirit and loving presence were a comfort to all who knew her.

Kind, loving, and gentle are just a few words that describe Barb. She had a way of making everyone she met feel valued and important, and her legacy of love will live on through the countless lives she touched.

Barb leaves behind a loving family who will miss her dearly: her children, Carrie Doering, Jennifer Gaffney, and Christopher Gaffney, all of whom reside in the close-knit community of Arpin and Marshfield. Her grandchildren, Tre (Stephanie) Gaffney of Arpin, Cody Poeschel of Arpin, Keelai Gaffney of Stevens Point, Maleik Doering of Arpin, Elexious Gaffney of Marshfield, Abyl Gaffney of Marshfield and Illy’ana Gaffney of Arpin as well as her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Tre, and O’Reilly, will forever hold dear the memories of their beloved grandmother. She is further survived by her siblings, Raymond Bundick, Vernon Bundick, Edith (Donald) Meyer, Carol Bundick, Robert (Shun) Bundick, Deana Andersen, Diana (Claude) Jarvis, and Timothy (Ruth) Bundick; her brother-in-law, Ernst Kibbel; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Audrey Bundick; her husband, James Gaffney; her sisters, Mary Bundick and Patricia Kibbel; her brother, James Bundick; her grandsons, Shayle Laydon and Ivyn Draydon; and her faithful canine companion, Coco.

In keeping with Barb’s wishes, family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation to share memories and support each other. This gathering will take place from 4 PM to 8 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Life Tributes Funeral Home in Spencer. The title of Honorary Pallbearer belongs to: Jamie Andersen, Maleik Doering, Tre Gaffney and Chad Bundick.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses at Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they dedicated to Barbara during her final days and also to Leah Meidl and Barb’s nurse, Katie.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorials in Barb’s name to help with the cost of her funeral services. Monetary donations can be made via Barb’s Obituary Tribute Fund on our website. The family appreciates your support.

Barbara’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.

Barb’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the depth of a mother’s love. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by the many hearts she warmed and the lives she enriched with her gentle soul.