Obituary: Barbara Jean Zuver (nee Roehr)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Obituary: Barbara Jean Zuver (nee Roehr)

On June 28, 2026, the world lost a true fighter. Barbara Jean Zuver (Roehr), age 66, of Plainfield, IL, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL. Over the last 20 years after bravely surviving breast cancer twice, Barb succumbed to complications from inoperable stage 4 small cell carcinoma (lung cancer), fighting hard until the very end.

Barb’s story began on April 14, 1960, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, where she was born to John (Jack) Robert and Mary Jean (Sweeney) Roehr. Growing up with five siblings, Barb lived life to the absolute fullest. At 20, her adventurous spirit and desire to serve led her to enlist in the United States Navy. While working in the JAG office, she married the love of her life, Michael, and gave birth to their first daughter, April.

After honorably completing her service, Barb and Mike welcomed their second daughter, Michelle. Together, the family loved to move, exploring different corners of the United States before planting roots in Alabama to raise their girls. In 1999, life brought them back north to Illinois, creating a beautiful home for their final chapters together.

Barb's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Michael R. Zuver; her daughters, April M. (Anthony nee Lee) Zuver with her cherished grandsons, Christopher Adams, Jeremiah Lee, and Sebastian Lee-Zuver; and Michelle L. Zuver with her fur-grandbabies, Feyre and Sage. She is also survived by her siblings; eldest brother, William J. (Wendy nee Burant) Roehr and nephew, Taylor Roehr; eldest sister, Christine (nee Roehr) Smith with niece, Patty (nee Smith) (Jeremy) Neidigh, alongside a wonderful circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews from both sides of the family whom she loved and adored completely.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her older sister, Jacquelyn Roehr; and her younger brother, Thomas Roehr.

Barb lived with a vibrant energy that couldn't be dimmed. There is no doubt she was greeted in the next life with open arms and a Brandy Old Fashion in hand, with a front-row view of the next game. Forever and always a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, this final toast is for her: GO PACK GO!

Per Barb’s request cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s name can be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory and photos.

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