Barbara J. Banse

Barbara J. Banse, 86, passed away on May 29, 2024. She was born on July 16, 1937 in Edna, Texas to Lonnie and Josephine Rakowitz Vackar and was the oldest of seven children. Upon graduating from Edna High School, she was the secretary for Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Victoria, TX. During that time she would meet her future husband at a Catholic singles group on a trip to San Antonio, TX. They married on October 7, 1967 after a brief courtship and began their lives together in San Antonio where they raised a family of four children and were married for 45 years. Barbara dedicated her life to being a stay at home Mom and a homemaker. She was very involved with boy scouts, serving as a den mother, girl scouts, and was the parent teacher association (PTA) president. She played a significant role in various band activities throughout her children’s high school years and was very active as a volunteer with the Special Olympics. As her children grew, she went to work with her brother in his automotive business for several years as well as working with many elderly people who needed assistance with daily household tasks. Barbara had a very compassionate heart and would often put the needs of others before her own. Barbara greatly enjoyed being a grandma, travelling, collecting treasures, gardening, and singing in the choir at St. Gerard Catholic Church. She was an avid reader of the daily newspaper, and enjoyed keeping up with current and historical events. Survivors include her children, John C. Banse (wife, Vicky), James F. Banse (wife, Laura), Mary H. Banse, and Catherine A. Banse; grandchildren, Jacob, Claire, Henry and Collin Banse; siblings, Stephen Vackar, Magdalen Marbry and Andrew Vackar; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. In addition to her parents, Barbara is preceded in death by her beloved husband Wilfred J. Banse; brothers, James Vackar and Dennis Vackar; sister, Martha Ann Vackar; and sister-in-law, Leona (Banse) Gomez. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 7, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 410 N. Center Street, Weimar, Texas. Burial to follow at the Church Cemetery. Father Chase Goodman will officiate the services. Flowers may be sent to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Weimar, Texas and donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Barbara J. Banse. Pallbearers will include Lonnie Vackar, Brandon Anders, Travis Anders, Chase Anders, Danny Gavlick and Brendan Grych. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd.(Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

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Barbara J. Banse

July 16, 1937 - May 29, 2024