Barbara Ann Hucker, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, family, and steadfast faith. She was born July 20, 1934, to Morris and Blanche Paulsen, welcomed into the world by her brothers Art, Tom, and Harry, and her sister Lauraine. Raised in San Pierre, she was a graduate of San Pierre High School. Throughout her youth and adulthood, she cherished close family ties, holding deep affection for her siblings and their spouses: Dorothy, Ardella, Sue, and Emil.
On June 10, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Wilbur "Wil" Hucker Jr., on a Wednesday at her parents' home. Just days later, Wil departed for service in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Following his return, he worked at his family's service station until the birth of their third child, when the couple established their own business. Wil served as the operator and mechanic, while Barb managed the bookkeeping. Gifted with numbers and organization, she made a perfect team alongside her husband through decades of shared hard work. Wil preceded her in death in 2015.
Barb is survived by her three children, Katherine (Robert) Pearson, of LaCrosse, Indiana, Michael (Laura) Hucker, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Margaret "Peggy" (Michael) Evans, of Howe, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Michael (Alice), Trever (Lisa), Brian (Jill), Matthew (Jen), Molly (Joel), Mark, Luke (Jana), Amy (Candido), and Michelle; along with numerous great-grandchildren who loved and adored her.
Barb was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Purdue Boilermakers. She gathered faithfully with a close group of friends to play euchre for nearly 50 years, eagerly teaching the card game to any child, grandchild, or great-grandchild who wished to learn. Her home was filled with music and creativity, and her family fondly remembers falling asleep to the hum of her sewing machine or the sound of hymns played on the piano as she prepared for Sunday worship. She took pride in teaching her family how to can fruits and vegetables, cherishing the quiet conversations shared during harvest time. Her faith and love for God were lived out every day. While her family will miss her deeply, they take profound comfort in knowing where she is and in the abiding promise of everlasting life.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 am to Noon at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Kouts. A funeral service will follow at Noon, with burial taking place immediately afterward at San Pierre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LaCrosse Christian Church.
