Barbara A Mlekoday

Barbara A. (Ballog) Mlekoday passed away on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. Barbara was born on August 23rd, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Martin and Mary Ballog, she was an only child, and she was 87 years old at her passing. Beloved wife to David Mlekoday for sixty-six wonderful years. They genuinely loved each other and spent every minute together enjoying each other’s company. Mother to son John (Loretta) Mlekoday and Grandmother to Amanda Mlekoday and Samantha Mlekoday. Mother-in-law to Laine Bartos. Barbara was preceded in death by her son Steve (Laine) Mlekoday and her son Michael Mlekoday.

Barbara met David in Minneapolis, where they married in 1959. Barbara and David started their life together in Minneapolis, with job transfers moving them to California and Springfield, Illinois as their young family expanded. In 1977 Barbara and David moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they lived out their remaining years. Barbara was a stay-at-home mom and the best mom that anyone could ask for. She was always there for her three boys from very early mornings getting the kids off to school when they were younger to staying up until well after midnight when the three boys were in high school and college. She always wanted to be awake when the kids got home, no matter how late, to make sure they got home safely.

Barbara thoroughly enjoyed working in the various gardens around their home and many neighbors have stories of Barbara planting flowers in the Spring and Summer. Barbara also enjoyed decorating the house inside and outside for all the various seasons/holidays, but especially Halloween and Christmas. Barbara and David enjoyed traveling to amazing destinations (Europe, Hawaii, Disney Cruise, etc.) every five years on their wedding anniversary. She enjoyed attending sporting events for her children including baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, and football. Barbara and David rarely missed any sporting events attended by their boys. Barbara also treasured going to her granddaughter’s events including volleyball, plays, and school events. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren and watching them grow up. Barbara enjoyed crafts including dry flower arrangements and making wreaths for family members. She also enjoyed collecting Ty Beanie Babies to share with her grandchildren. Barbara was very young at heart, enjoying church events, bingo, and movies. Barbara and David were busier in their retirement years than in their working years. Barbara was a fantastic wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She will truly be missed.

Please feel free to reach out to John Mlekoday at MlekodayJohn@outlook.com if you knew Barbara and especially if you have any stories you can relay involving Barbara. Thank you.