Julia Bannan, age 93, passed away at Maplewood of Sauk Prairie on Friday, April 22, 2011. She was born in Roxbury on September 26, 1917, the daughter of the late Mathias and Magdelina (Werla) Barbian. She was baptized, received first holy communion, confirmed, schooled and married at St. Norbert's church in Roxbury. Her deep religious faith was the foundation of her life. On May 26, 1943 she married Philip T. Bannan. Together they farmed and raised a family in West Point township until Phil passed away on April 18, 1968. Her infinate patience and caring for others were her strongest traits. There was always room at the family table for any visitors, the cookie jar was always full with treats for the kids, grandkids and great-grankids, and there was always chocolate cake for the #1 chocoholic. When she wasn't cooking or baking she enjoyed embroidering, crocheting and quilting. All the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids have special quilts, pillow cases and numerous articles that she made. She also raised and donated many flowers to St. Aloysius Church picnic and donated groceries to Valley of Our Lady Monistery. After Phil passed away she worked as a nursing assistant at Good Samaritan Nursing Home and Maplewood Nursing Home.


She is survived by six children, John (Linda) of Union Grove, Alabama, Elaine Kowalke of North Freedom, Tom (Nancy) of Lodi, Mary (Dan) Brumm of Sheridan, Wyoming, Jim (Sharon) of Lodi and Robert (Kathy) of Sauk City; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Anna Bannan; great-grandson, Andrew Ryan; son-in-law, Kenneth Kowalke Sr.; four brothers, Frank (Marion), Lawrence (Inez), Norbert (Margaret Mary) and Ray Barbian; and a sister, Marie (Nick) Lamberty.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ALOYSIOUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Sauk City, at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011 with Father Jared Hood officiating. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Friends may call at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2011, where a rosary service will be held at 3:45 p.m.


Thank you Mom for all your love and guidance. Granny B., you were a great lady. You had strong faith, worked hard and gave us all deep love. Doing our best was always good enough for you. Thank You!