Barbara Lee Netzke

Barbara Lee Netzke, age 77 of Indianapolis, IN passed away on Saturday night, June 6, 2026.

Barbara was born on January 15, 1949 in Springfield, IL, a daughter of William Harland and Nellie Mae (Ellis) Chappel. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Barbara was the youngest of five children: Opal, William, Clarence, Shirley and Barbara.

She is preceded in death by her siblings: Opal, William, and Clarence.

Barbara is survived by her loving sister Shirley (husband Michael) Patrick of Plainfield, IN.

She is survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members and relatives.

She is survived by her special caretaker Amy Robbins and a special friend Attorney Rodney C. Richardson.

Cremation Rites will be accorded. A graveside inurnment service will be scheduled for the near future at Island Grove Cemetery in Island Grove, IL, just outside of Springfield/New Berlin, IL.

She attended New Berlin High School graduating in the class of 1967.

After high school Barbara attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL; thereafter Barbara worked for Mayer Hudnut, and then obtained a Master’s Degree in counseling, working for Family Services in Indianapolis, IN as a Case Manager for more than 18 years until she retired.

Barb enjoyed a very special trip to Rome and other cities around Italy. This was paid for through a grant from Eli Lilly that not only allowed Barb to relax from her Case Management duties, but also to experience the architecture and history of Rome. This was a very special time for her.

She enjoyed studying World War II and had planned to visit Normandy. Ironically, she passed away on June 6th which is the anniversary of the D-Day Invasion.

She was an animal lover and enjoyed taking care of her pets, especially her cats. Whenever she saw a cat or a dog or a picture of them, she always would say: “how precious”!

Barb was a historian, especially when it came to the Titanic as she attended numerous expositions on the Titanic and knew the background of all of the wealthy families who had taken that voyage.

Barb will be remembered for her quick wit, her love of children and her special care and concern for those in need. Barb will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the Plainfield Health Care Center and the employees there who took care of Barb until the Good Lord called her.

Flanner Buchanan – Speedway has charge of the arrangements.