Kay R. Saarinen-Barr

November 11, 1957 - April 21, 2022

Kay Roseanne Saarinen-Barr of Wild Rose, WI passed away peacefully April 21, 2022, at age 64, with family by her bedside. Kay was born in L’Anse, MI on November 11, 1957, to parents, William and Nelda (Steele) Saarinen, who preceded her in death. She was raised in Watton MI before her family moved to Waupaca WI in 1971. She graduated from Wild Rose High School in 1975 and went on to UW Eau Claire and UW Stevens Point where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She later went on to UW Oshkosh to earn a Master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling – Marriage and Family. This fit her so well as she was always a very good listener and her compassion extended beyond her practice to everyone she met and knew. Most recently she was working as the Manager for Behavioral Health for the Waupaca County Department of Human Services. Kay loved life and always opened her heart and gave her time to the people she met. She was the one that gathered the whole family together and she brought the sunshine to every heart with her love, compassion, kindness and peace. She always extended her love beyond family, welcoming all to join her circle. The “Mom” whose light of Jesus in her heart shined brightly. Kay is survived by her husband, Dennis Barr and children Brittany (Jon Rezach) Saarinen-Barr, of La Mesa, CA, Talia Saarinen-Barr of Milwaukee and Kaden Saarinen-Barr of Wild Rose, sisters, Kim (Ron) VanHaitsma of Bothell WA and Ann (Jim) Albrecht of White Lake, WI, nieces Lorelei (Senthil) Taylor, Bothell WA, Jennifer (Derek) Taylor of Port Angeles WA and Veronica Bush of Evart MI, and extended family plus numerous beloved friends. Kay had a strong Christian faith that has continued to inspire her children as well as other family and friends throughout their lives. Her example will live in their hearts forever. Though she will be missed, we are comforted to know that she is with her Heavenly Father and walking with our Lord Jesus Christ. A memorial service is planned for 12:00 PM, April 30, 2022 at The Lakes Church in Waupaca, with lunch to follow. Friends may visit at 11:00 AM. For those who may not be able to attend, there will be a livestream of the service. It can be accessed from thelakeswaupaca.com or their Facebook page. The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose is assisting the family with arrangements.