Barbara A. Garske's Obituary
Mrs. Barbara “Barb” Garske (née Kurtz), 86, of Amherst, passed away unexpectedly at her home on September 5, 2025. Barb was the beloved daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (née Hackbarth) Kurtz, whom she now joins in heaven, along with her siblings: Corrine, Lois (Jerome) Daniels, Joyce (Anthony) Cottone, James (Kathy) Kurtz, Eileen (Edward) Makuski, and Delores (Suzie) Knudson. Barb married Richard “Dick” Garske on November 15, 1958, in Milwaukee, where she spent her childhood. In 1969, Barb and her family moved to Amherst following Dick’s employment with United Parcel Service.
Barb cherished growing up in a large family, especially the laughter shared around the dinner table, and enjoyed having a large family of her own. While raising her children, Barb was a devoted stay-at-home mom, but throughout her life she held a variety of jobs, including phone operator, retail clerk, scale manufacturing worker, food service employee, school lunch lady, and tavern owner.
She loved supporting her children and being actively involved in their lives—attending sporting events, assisting with needs, and babysitting. Barb also adored her nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a passionate Green Bay Packers fan and never missed an episode of Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune.
Barb is survived by her children, Scott (Laurie) Garske, Gary (Kathy) Garske, Jeffrey Garske, Michael (Mandy) Garske, Julie (Roger) Martin, and Lori (Joseph) Albert; grandchildren, Kristi Garske, Katie Garske (special friend Angel), Keith (Niamh) Garske, Jordan (Becki) Garske, Jeremy (special friend Kelly) Garske, Samantha (Colton) Boelte, Nathan (Kayla) Martin, Eric Martin, and Aria Garske; and great grandchildren, Colton and Kayden Vanderlaan, Diem, Hadley, and Ryver Gissal, Elliott Garske, Silica and Bodhi Lord, Felix Garske, Lennon Boelte, and Dax Martin.
Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents; her siblings; her Garske in-laws, and two nephews, Bob Makuski and Matthew Kurtz. Known for her feisty spirit and quick wit, Barb never hesitated to speak her mind or stand up for those she loved. Family was everything to her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unforgettable memories.
The Funeral Service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Amherst at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, with Reverend Dwight Anderson, officiating. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Amherst. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the church.
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