Barbara A. Blagoue

Barbara Ann Blagoue, 93, of Fond du Lac, passed away on June 13, 2025, while surrounded by family. She was born in Oshkosh on April 13, 1932, to Rudolf and Dorothy (nee Rennert) Sang. Early in life, Barbara earned the nickname “Tucker,” as she often kicked off her blankets and her family had to tuck her back into bed. The nickname stuck for her entire life. After graduating from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1950, Barbara pursued vocational education for a short time in Minnesota. In 1952, while working at Jacobsen Drug Store in downtown Minneapolis, Barbara witnessed a murder at point-blank range and was a key witness during the trial. The incident informed her lifelong stance against abuse and violence, and throughout her life, Barbara showed strong compassion for and often befriended those in need of help and support. It was also in Minneapolis where Barbara met Steve Blagoue, the love of her life, while they worked together at the Nee Plus Ultra grocery store. From the meat counter, Steve admired Barbara’s sense of fashion, often marveling to his coworkers “Another coat? How many can she possibly have?” In time, the produce department manager was smitten by the meat department manager, and they married on August 1, 1954. Steve and Barbara were utterly devoted to each other and to their family, opening their home and sharing their love with everyone, family and friends alike. Barbara was proud to be part of one of the longest running restaurant families in Fond du Lac, with operations dating back to 1946. Barbara’s family owned the Greenwood Grill at the corner of Twelfth and Greenwood Street, a popular neighborhood spot near Goodrich High School, where hamburgers could be bought “7 for a dollar.” In 1963, with her father and her husband, Barbara helped to found Tuckers Restaurant on South Main Street in Fond du Lac, named for her nickname. Known then as Tuckers Toofers, the restaurant is now in its fourth generation of family operation. Barbara loved music and the arts and was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, singing many solos in her teenage and early adult years. She enjoyed playing the piano and was a longtime member of Fond du Lac Women’s Civic Chorus. Barbara had deep and abiding Christian faith, and one of her fond childhood memories was of spending time with her Oshkosh cousins at Lutheran summer camps in the Mount Morris area. Barbara was part of the founding families of Hope Lutheran Church, where she sang for decades in the choir, helped with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at times, and rarely missed a Sunday Service. The Christmas season was magical in Barbara’s home as she always went “all-out” to decorate. Family often joked that Barbara’s massive collection of nine Christmas trees and countless other decorations could rival any department store, and she displayed all of them every year, baked more varieties of Christmas cookies than family could count, and devoted time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to bake and decorate some truly epic gingerbread houses. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Steve, her sister Evelyn Youngbeck of Mayville, and her son Thomas Blagoue. She is survived by her son Steven (Kathlyn) Blagoue of Fond du Lac; four grandchildren: Thomas Blagoue, II of Fond du Lac, Benjamin Blagoue of Madison, Joseph (Catelyn) Blagoue of Oshkosh, and Charles Blagoue of Chaska, Minnesota; four great grandchildren: Finley, Rudy, Hazel, and Luella Blagoue of Fond du Lac; niece and goddaughter Barbara Mills of Windsor, California and nephew John Youngbeck of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. She is also survived by her devoted friend Shelley Hammer, who spent countless days caring for Barbara in her last years. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Evergreen Retirement Community and at Generations Hospice for their truly compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hope Lutheran Church or to Fond du Lac Area Foundation may be considered. VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 9:30 – 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church, 260 Vincent Street, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church with Rev. Phillip Enderle officiating. Entombment will follow at Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in Ledgeview Memorial Park.

Barbara A. Blagoue

April 13, 1932 - June 13, 2025