Barbara Ann Potocnik

Barbara Ann Potocnik passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Naples, FL with her family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Richard Joseph Potocnik, and her 3 daughters; Michele (Jan) Wyrostek, Kelly (Gary) Loughridge, and Cindy (Chuck) Dehler; her grandchildren, Ryan (Lauren) Wyrostek, Nicole (Scott) Noto, Tyler and Neil Loughridge, Kelsi (Travis) Vreugdenhil and Mitchell (Maria) Dehler. She also has 11 cherished great grandchildren. Born on October 30, 1937, in Alexandria, MN, Barb was the daughter of Edward and Adeline (Peacock) Fluegel. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Mary Bartels and Edward Fluegel II. Through the years Barb enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests, making lifelong friendships. She was an avid golfer, winning the Junior Golf Championship in Alexandria, MN, in her youth. She loved the water, becoming a lifeguard and water safety instructor and many years later teaching her children and grandchildren to swim. After attending St Theresa College in Winona, MN, Barb met her husband, Dick from MN’s Iron Range. She taught HS math in the early years of their marriage. She later returned to teaching at Unionville-Sebewaing Area School for 23 years, while living in Bay City, MI and was the NHS Sponsor. Barb was always so proud to announce to her family when she had a student whose parents she had taught. Barb actively supported Dick in their many shared interests, beginning with building their first house in Sandstone, MN. Their 3 daughters were born in MN before Dick’s job relocated their family to MI. While living in Bay City, MI, the family had a hobby farm near Bad Axe. Many special memories were made camping along the large pond they had created for swimming and fishing. Years later, some of the older grandchildren would also get to enjoy time there with Gramma & Papa. In addition to the fun, they all worked together in the raising & selling of Christmas and other trees, pickles & strawberries. Upon retiring, Barb and Dick spent 4 years full time in an RV traveling, before settling in SC for 17 years. There she helped Dick build a major addition to his woodworking shop. Together their full-time hobby was selling hundreds of his wood carvings and artfully hand turned bowls. Singing in Sweet Adeline groups, first in MI and later SC, was one of the joys of her life. Other passions included; synchronized swimming, water aerobics and bridge, at which she excelled. She also enjoyed ceramics, crocheting, painting, sewing and quilting, displaying her wide variety of artistic talents. Seeking warmer weather, Barb and Dick moved to FL. After a few years in a populated retirement park, when Barb was 79, they decided to purchase land in Arcadia, south central FL, build a house and raise beef cattle. They enjoyed farm living for nearly a decade before moving to Naples FL in Dec 2025 for a more relaxed pace. Barb approached all endeavors with enthusiasm and a generous spirit. She treasured time spent with family and friends, sharing her talents, love and laughter. She held an amazingly upbeat attitude throughout her life. Barb's legacy lives on in the lives she touched, her devotion to faith and family, her 66 years of marriage to Dick, and the many memories her family and friends will cherish forever. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Leo Catholic Church in Bonita Springs, FL on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 am. The family will welcome friends one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests that memorial donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.shikanyfuneralhome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Barbara Ann Potocnik

October 30, 1937 - July 14, 2026