Barbara Joan “Bambi” (Longton) Bambenek

Barbara Joan “Bambi” (Longton) Bambenek, age 86 of Fountain City, WI passed away Thursday March 7, 2019, at St Anne’s Extended Healthcare, Winona, MN.
Born on December 22, 1932, in Concordia, KS to Raymond and Goldie (Empson) Longton; as owners of Longton’s Bakery for 35 years, they taught her the importance of a strong work ethic. In 1951 she graduated from Concordia High School and in 1952 she met and married the love of her life, Tony and moved to Winona. Bambi always looked forward to her beloved husband’s catch of the day. She was employed at Lake Center Industries from 1955 to 1988. In the early 1980’s she co-owned the Cottonwood Inn, Bluff Siding with her husband where they were affectionately known as Mr. & Mrs. Mudd. Throughout her life she found great joy in painting, crocheting, writing and crafting.
Barbara loved and cherished family and is survived by her husband, Anthony Bambenek; children, Susan (Gerald) Suhr, Roger Bambenek, Laurie (Rick) Krause, Antoinette (Randal) Drier and Jacqueline Bambenek (Gary Robert); son-in-law Frank Andresen (Kathy Hansman); grandchildren, Jeremy (Mary) Suhr, Nicholas (Sarah) Suhr, Kaitlyn (Jeremy) Smith, Shannon (Dan) Elmore, Stephanie Andresen
(Adam) Stevens, Alexis Krause, Benjamin Krause and Colton (Hope) Nesler; 8 great-grandchildren; sister Pamela (Dean) Larson of Liberty, MO; aunt Evelyn Irwin, Concordia, KS; brothers-in-law Joseph and Gerald Bambenek, Winona, MN; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Goldie, daughters Karen Andresen and Mary Bambenek, a son Raymond Bambenek; grandson Joshua Suhr and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.
In gratitude we would like to thank the compassionate nursing staff of St. Anne’s, Dr. Forsythe and Winona Health hospice staff that supported our family and provided Barbara’s end of life care.
A private service will be held at a later date. Memorials in Barbara’s name may be directed to St. Anne’s of Winona or a charity of choice.