Fay Ann Barenberg

Fay Ann Clarice (Wicke) Barenberg, daughter of Clarence and Esther (Neuhart) Wicke was born December 20, 1937 in the farm home north of Blakeman, Kansas. She passed away March 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, at her home in McCook at the age of 87. She went to be with her husband and her Lord.

Fay Ann attended school at Hawkeye Country School for six years and Trinity Lutheran School for two years, she was baptized and confirmed there. Fay Ann graduated from Atwood High School in 1955.

On April 27, 1957 she married the love of her life, Eldon Barenberg at Grace Lutheran Church in Atwood with Pastor Delmar Brach officiating. They were married for sixty-four years and nine months. Fay Ann and Eldon moved to Goodland, Kansas where they lived for two years. Their final move was to McCook, Nebraska where they spent the rest of their lives together. To their union, three children were born, David, Debra and Denise. Fay Ann opened a daycare in their home; they operated it for 54 years.

Fay Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daycare provider and friend. She and Eldon loved going to all of their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids sports activities. Fay Ann was a softball pitcher, herself, when she was young!

Fay Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eldon; parents, Clarence and Esther; sister, Darlene and brother-in-law, David Phelps.

She is survived by brother, Wayne Wicke; son, David (Joann) Barenberg; daughter, Debra (Ron) Lauer; daughter, Denise (Lance) Gillen, all of McCook; grandchildren: Brad (Jill) Lauer, Bailey (Brandon) Crick, Danielle (Dylan) Schumacher, Kelsey Gillen, Kassidy Gillen, Easton Gillen, Brooklynn Gillen, Justin Barenberg and Logan Barenberg; great-grandchildren: Aiden Lauer, Oakland Lauer, Talan Schumacher, Torryn Schumacher, Banks Schumacher, Kamry Crick, and Kover Schumacher; as well as extended family, friends and countless daycare kids that called her Grandma and many daycare parents.

She will be greatly missed by all!

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Fay Ann's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Funeral services are scheduled for 9:00 AM on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook with Pastor Lonnie Felcher officiating. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook will follow services. Services will be livestreamed on the Peace Lutheran Church Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Memorials are suggested to the family of Fay Ann Barenberg for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.