Barbara Jean Zuver

Celebrating the Life of Barbara Jean Zuver

April 14, 1960 - June 28, 2026

On June 28, 2026, the world lost a true fighter. Barbara Jean Zuver (Roehr), age 66, of Plainfield, Ill., passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Ill. 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, Wis., 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 U.S. Navy. While working in the Judge Advocate General Office, she married the love of her life, Michael, and gave birth to their first daughter April.

After Barb honorably completed her service, she 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, where they created 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. Zuver (Anthony (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. Roehr (Wendy (Burant) Roehr) and nephew Taylor Roehr; and eldest sister Christine (Roehr) Smith with niece Patty (Smith) Neidigh (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-fashioned 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 Hospital. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her memorial tribute at https://fredcdames.com/tribute/details/10119/Barbara-Zuver/obituary.html, where you may leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory and photos.