Barbara Ann Lawrence

Barbara Ann Lawrence (Kleinschmidt), age 78 of Appleton, WI passed away on January 29, 2026. She was born to Benjamin and Marjorie (Slater) Kleinschmidt on October 31, 1947 in Tomahawk, WI.

After graduating from Tomahawk High School in 1965, Barbara went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from UW Madison. She worked as a teacher for over 40 years, spending most of her career at Appleton East and Appleton North High Schools, focusing on humanities and AP art history. Additionally, she served hundreds of families as one of the first English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers for Hmong immigrants in the in the Fox Valley.

Barbara married Michael Pennings in February 1966, and together they had two wonderful children. She later found love again with Nelson Lawrence, whom she married in June 2000, combining their families.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her by her generous heart; she always went above and beyond to support those around her.

As a lover of the arts, she enjoyed reading and discussing literature with her book club and playing classical music on the piano each day. She also loved visiting museums (where she seemed to know something about nearly every artist and piece) and going to the theater. For Barbara, holidays were also an art: she made handmade greeting cards and transformed her home with decorations that created a joyful, festive space for all.

An avid adventurer, she was always up for a challenge: whether it meant paddling the Boundary Waters with her husband, traveling by boat through Norway above the Arctic Circle with her daughter, or (just as boldly) chaperoning high schoolers on trips to New York City. You could often find her at her cottage on Lake George (Rhinelander, WI) enjoying nature, watching birds, or capturing a picture of a sunset.

More than anything, Barbara was a devoted mother, wife, and friend who cherished every moment she spent with her loved ones.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her husband, Nelson Lawrence; her children, Damian (Molly) Pennings and Danielle (Michael) Taylor; her step-children, Jenson (Amanda) Lawrence and Sarah Lawrence; her step-grandchildren, T.J. & Linnea Lawrence; her brother, David (Ruth) Kleinschmidt; her sister, Dawn Moss; her ex-husband, Michael Pennings; and her beloved dog, Gunnhilda.

A memorial visitation will be held for Barbara from 9 AM – 12 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 12 PM. Since she loved holidays, please wear Valentine’s Day colors to the memorial. 

Barbara will be laid to rest in her hometown of Tomahawk at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Barbara’s generous spirit, please consider making a donation to the Appleton Area School District for students in need.