Barbara Hipke Driskill, age 77, of 2412 Illinois Avenue, New Holstein, died Wednesday, August 4, 2010, at Willowdale Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in New Holstein, where she resided for the past month. A struggle with crippling rheumatoid arthritis for almost 50 years prevented her from doing many things she loved to do. Barbara was a longtime member of the New Holstein American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. The longtime interest & ownership of Golden Retrievers, encouraged her to join the Fond du Lac County Kennel Club & Northern Flyway G. R. Club, where she was active for many years. She loved to write, and for many years, submitted articles to the Golden Retriever Club of America News. She and her identical twin sister, Shirley, were born in New Holstein to Gilbert and Brunette "Bird" Hipke on July 24, 1933. Barbara graduated from New Holstein High School in 1951; she continued her education at Stephens Junior College in Missouri, Iowa Teachers' College, receiving her elementary teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Wisconsin teaching positions in Sheboygan and Waukesha gave her experience and the urge to move on. Two summers of biking and hostelling in Europe convinced her to expand her horizons. She signed on with the U.S. Air Force elementary school system, and on two separate stints Barbara taught elementary school at air bases in Japan. An assignment in Libya, North Africa, encouraged her to return to the U.S. After further training in teaching children with special needs, she was employed by CESA in Chilton, Wisconsin, where she remained until she took an early retirement due to ill health. Being a pioneer in the field of Early Childhood for children with special needs, she served as an associated professor at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Barbara is survived by her son, Scott Driskill, her sister, Mary Frisch, a brother-in-law, Elmer Custer, various nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and grandnephews. She is sorely missed by her companion dog, G.R. Duffy. Preceding her in death were her parents; her twin sister, Shirley Custer and a brother-in-law, Walton Frisch. A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at St. John United Church of Christ, 2111 Church Street in New Holstein. Rev. James E. Werner will officiate. The New Holstein American Legion Auxiliary will have a brief service at 5:00 PM at the church. Family and friends may call at the church on Thursday from 4:00 PM until the time of services. For additional information, please call the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net