Barbara Carpenter

Barbara Jane (Cieminski) Carpenter, age 89, of Winona, passed from this life and was set free into the loving arms of Jesus on Independence Day, after a 3- month battle due to medical complications.

She was preceded in death by her parents: August and Blanche Cieminski; husband, Ted Worner; second husband, Bruce Carpenter; her companion of many years, Art Brom; an infant son and son Bill Worner; brothers: Bob and Bill Cieminski: and a sister Shirley Leiferman.

Barbara was a proud, lifelong resident of Winona, and was often heard telling people that Winona is one of the most beautiful places on earth. She was also very proud of her 100% Polish ancestry. Barb’s family was regularly regaled with stories of her childhood adventures at the Waldera clan’s farmsteads in Arcadia, Pine Creek and Fountain City. One of the highlights of her life was a tour to Poland with many extended family members.

She attended St. Stan’s School, Cathedral Junior High and Winona Senior High School. Barbara married Ted Worner and raised 6 children. She was often seen driving all 6 to school, to church, shopping or to Grandpa and Grandma Cieminski’s, older ones holding younger ones on their laps. This was before the days of seatbelts and car seats.

Music played a huge role in Barbara’s life. Her children grew up listening to Barbara singing or humming tunes from the 40’s and 50’s as she did household chores or drove the car. She could harmonize any tune and was an alto with Sweet Adeline’s for several years. It was a real treat to listen to Barbara and her 3 sisters sing four-part harmony while doing dishes at the Cieminski clan gatherings. She took piano lessons in grade school and progressed to accordion and organ. She played her organ daily until her recent illness. In her 60’s, she and her companion and dance partner, Art Brom, joined the Winona Ballroom/Old Time Dance Club. They attended dances at least twice per month.

Another interest of Barbara’s was playing cards. She belonged to her original 500 card club for 60 plus years. She also played cards at Westfield, the Winona Senior Center, the VFW, and with various small groups during weekends and holidays. Whenever Barbara’s family gathers, the cards come out for games of Fifteen.

Barbara’s work experience included a job in the Randall’s bakery department for a few years and later for the Winona school district 10 years, until retirement, in the infant/toddler day care program for parent students finishing their high school diplomas.

Before her interests, God and family came first. Barbara participated in many Bible study groups and a prayer group through the years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and always available for advice or to lend a helping hand, babysitting grandkids and grand dogs. She hosted many memorable family gatherings, and was a fabulous cook   known for her chicken dumpling soup and scalloped potatoes. Barbara enjoyed socializing, making new friends and maintaining lasting friendships.

Barbara is survived by her children: Linda (Keith) Fyle, Peter (Linda) Worner, Jane (Gary), Paul (Sonya) Worner, and Steve Worner; 10 grandchildren: Carla, Christa, Christina, Kaitlyn, Cayla, Jason, Jonathan, Aaron, Jaakob and Isaak; 3 great grandsons: Ryan, Alex and Braylen; sisters: Florence and DeLora, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We will miss your sparkling blue eyes, smiles, laughter and stories.  Barbara will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.  Barbara will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Barbara’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.