BARBARA J. SLABA

Due to current health concerns, a private funeral mass for Barbara J. Slaba, 70, of Wagner was held Monday, April 27 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner. Burial was in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Wagner. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Barbara J. Slaba was born June 6, 1949 at Mitchell, the daughter of Harold and Lucille (Gottlob) Heumiller. After Harold’s death, she became the step daughter of Martin Erickson. Barb died Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Wagner.

Barb attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Salem and graduated from St. John’s school of Nursing in Huron in 1971. She married Eugene Slaba on February 19, 1972. Four children were born to their union.

Barb worked as as a Registered Nurse for 43 years. During her career she worked at Sacred Heart Hospital, the Good Samaritan Center, as a county health nurse, and spent many years as Director of Nursing and an ER nurse at the IHS in Wagner. She retired from the IHS in December of 2014. Barb was known for working the night shift for many years.

Barb will be remembered for her love for her grandkids. She talked often of them to others and enjoyed taking care of them. Barb was always wanting to feed dinner to anyone who stopped over. She enjoyed sewing, especially baby blankets and baby towels. One of her fondest memories is having a private concert from Daniel McDonald on her birthday since she missed his concert. Barb was also godmother and grandma to many children. Only certain people were able to call her “Barbie”.

Thankful for having shared her life are her husband Eugene of Wagner, four children and nine grandchildren: Jason and wife Missy and their son Kaden, Jennifer Friederich of Tripp and kids Tyrese and Javon, Joe and wife Melissa of Presho and kids Lane and Rozin, Jessica and husband Paul Kuhlman of Wagner and kids Paxton, Cooper, Karson, and Karaye; sister Joanie and husband Terry Werner of Columbia Falls, MT; and foster brother Fred Schallenkamp of Deadwood.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, and foster sister-in-law Shannon Schallenkamp.