Barbara J. Engelbrecht

A Memorial Service for Barbara will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska with Lay Pastor Michelle Lessard presiding. No visitation will be held as it was Barb's wishes to be cremated. Graveside Services will be held following the Memorial Service at the Geneva Public Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska. Memorials are to be directed to the family to be designated at a later date in Barb's name. Barbara Jo Zimmerman was born September 17, 1950 to Elmer and Grace Zimmerman, an event that caused the overnight graying of her mother. Grace would later contend that this was foreshadowing, while acknowledging that at least the deed was done by the time the teenage years struck. Barb passed on October 4, 2024, her hair-graying, but endearing, orneriness intact until the end. While Barb was born with a mischievous gleam in her eyes and a penchant for living life to its fullest, she was first and foremost a people person. At a young age she endeared herself to much of the village of Fairmont, and was rewarded with gifts of candy, soda, and rigged contests to ensure that she was the prize recipient. Her mother at times failed to appreciate Barb’s outgoing nature, especially when she’d shout at random, tattered gentlemen, “Hey Mister! Want a ride?” despite frequent admonishments. Her penchant for peopling continued into her teenage years, when her need to be near the action resulted in Houdini-like moves of climbing out of and into windows (the into at a time known as dawn). Despite a plethora of punishments, Barb never regretted those fun-filled years of dances, concerts, and parties; her parents were just grateful she survived. After graduating from Fairmont High School in 1968, she married Francis Schropfer in 1969, and two sons were born, Scott and Shawn, who were disadvantaged in their own teenage years by a mother who knew or had invented almost every form of mischief imaginable. Barb and Frank owned an antique store, and her love of refinishing furniture commenced. Barb was an avid “junker”; she could see the potential in the worn and discarded and turn it into a thing of beauty with a touch of whimsy. More importantly, it was a connection to vendors and customers, many who became friends. At various times she was also a Sunday school teacher, Avon representative, camper, dancer, motorcycle rider, and traveler. She ended her career as a manager at Lichti Oil in York Barb legitimized the Betty Crocker award she earned in high school by becoming an excellent cook, and often shared her creations. She also loved going to restaurants, and anyone accompanying her to one knew the drill; while the rest of the party stood out on the sidewalk sweating or freezing, they’d look back and mumble, “Barb found someone to talk to”. Sometimes it was an old friend; usually it was a newly created one. Shopping was similar; Barb would still be at the first rack absentmindedly flipping through clothes, while deep in conversation with the stranger on the other side. The rest of the group was tapping a indentation on the floor at the exit. Barb married Cy Howell in 1993, and they were rascally partners until his death in 2004. In 2009, she married Scott Engelbrecht, with whom she had many adventures until health issues transpired. It was Scott who took the vows “in sickness and in health” to heart, and supported Barb throughout her illness. As her grandkids and great nieces and nephews arrived, she rejoiced in becoming their partner in crime, willingly passing on her extensive knowledge of mischief, and chuckling at the results. This, of course, made her the favorite: an adult co-conspirator. While it is uplifting to think of Barb breathing easily in heaven, if one is to imagine it with pearly gates, she probably hasn’t progressed far; she’s still conversing with the gatekeeper. That’s all right, though; she has eternity to meet all the others. Barb was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Cy Howell; brother, Ken Zimmerman, and sister, Marge McGowan. She is survived by her husband, Scott; son Scott (Enice) Schropfer of Kearney; son Shawn Schropfer of Lincoln; Step Daughter Michelle (Chad) Kinney of Lincoln; Step Son Seth (Cheryl) of Milltown, IN; Grandchildren Chris (Lizzy) Schropfer, Andrew Schropfer, and Brittny Bedke all of Geneva; great grandchildren Ellie, Brentley, Oakley, Merrick, and Tallulah; step grandchildren Darien, Hudson, Zoe Adriona, Kaylea Jean, Jenalee Page, and Seth Scott, Jr; sister in laws Maxine (Jim) Bishop of Lincoln; Sue Ann (Kent) Kriefels, Nephew Rod Zimmerman, Nieces Teri (Rowdy) Yates and Brenda Green; Great nieces and nephews Shannon (Michael) Spies, Ryan (Kathy) Yates, and Brooke (Michael) Braun, special friend Michelle Lessard, as well as a host of many other wonderful friends.

Tributes

Barbara J. Engelbrecht

September 17, 1950 - October 4, 2024