A strong will and fighting spirit exemplified Barbara A. Kurten right up until she passed into eternal peace on November 12, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by her children.
Barbara of Sheboygan Falls, WI, was born on August 15, 1939, in Racine, WI, to the late Leo A. and Anna M. Bottkol (nee Skala).
Barbara, a beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, nurse, volunteer, and friend, was well known for her sense of humor, dedication to helping others, and great friendship. Barbara’s passions during her life included history, winter sports, reading, crafting, birding, volunteering, spending time at family cabins, and perhaps her most passionate love of all, laughing and telling stories with her many good friends and family. The numerous places where Barbara spent significant amounts of time volunteering include the Wade House, Sheboygan County Museum, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, and various medical auxiliaries.
Barbara graduated in 1957 from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, WI, and in 1961 from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Janesville, WI.
She then worked as a surgical nurse for several years before meeting her husband, Timothy, while they were both working at the same hospital.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy A. Kurten MD, parents, Leo A. and Anna M. Bottkol, parent-in-laws, Louis J. and Elizabeth T. Kurten, sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and A. James Sexton, brother-in-law, Marvin Sorensen, nephew, Matthew J. Kurten, and nephew, Michael Sexton.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth A. Kurten, son and daughter-in-law, Benjamin T. and Nancy L. Kurten, adored grandsons, Samuel L. Kurten and Andrew W. Kurten, sister, Leone Sorensen, brother and sister-in-law, James Donald and Nancy Jo Sexton, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald Kurten DDS and Diane Kurten, niece, Rev. Lois Sorensen (Dr. Gregory Gauthier), nephew, Mark (Kathy) Sorensen, niece, Dana Ryan, and niece, Becky Sexton.
Funeral Services celebrating her life will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Wenig Funeral Home, 711 Broadway in Sheboygan Falls, WI. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service on Barbara’s obituary page at wenigfh.com . The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00AM-1:00PM. She will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Cable, WI.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial donation on Barbara’s behalf to Sheboygan County Museum, Bookworm Gardens, or Wade House
Thank you to all the incredible staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Sheboygan Falls, WI, and on the 9th Floor at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay, WI, for their dedication and care for Barbara when she needed it the most.
Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolences.
“Smile at the Rain”
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