Barbara Jane Klabunde

Barbara J. Klabunde, age 84, formerly of Waukesha and Hancock, WI, and most recently of West Allis, passed away peacefully to eternal life with her family by her side on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Barb was born on June 7, 1940, in Milwaukee, WI, daughter to the late Orlando L. and Margaret J. (Gallert) Myers. Growing up in the city, her father had a cottage on Fish Lake where she would attend Saturday Night Dances. One night her eyes met someone else’s, and their lives changed forever in love. On September 13, 1958, in Greenfield, WI Barbara married the love of her life William A. Klabunde. He preceded her in death on May 10, 2002.

Following their marriage, Barbara moved to Deerfield, WI, where she embraced the role of a farmer’s wife and devoted mother, raising their four children on a dairy farm. While being a stay-at-home mother most of the time, Barbara was a dedicated homemaker who excelled in baking and cooking for her family and holiday gatherings. During the summer months, she took great pleasure in canning various fruits and vegetables as well as maintaining her well-known flower gardens, which earned her recognition in the Waushara Argus.

At one point, Barb wanted a part-time job, and that is exactly what she did. She worked as a waitress at Two Lakes Supper Club as well as Silvercryst Supper Club, with her daughter Kelly following in her footsteps. She truly enjoyed talking with all the different people that would patron the restaurants, having conversations and a good laugh or two.

Active in her faith community, Barbara was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church and participated in The Ladies Aide. After her husband William passed, she relocated to the Milwaukee area to be closer to her daughters and became involved with Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, where she joined The Ladies Guild.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Bryon Klabunde of Hancock, WI, and Douglas (Terry) Klabunde of Plainfield, WI; her daughters, Karla (Dan) Sonnenburg of West Allis, WI, and Kelly (Gordy) Michels of Muskego, WI; eight grandchildren, Holly Louis, Billy (Breonna) Klabunde, Aaron (Madison) Klabunde, Macy Klabunde (Partner Jake), Ivy (Devin) Kollock, Ashley (Ryan) Bonnier, Matt (Nate Tratnik) Sonnenburg, and Adam Michels; two great-grandchildren, Jaelyn and Beck, with another great-granddaughter expected in March; a brother, Kurt Myers; and a sister, Marcia (Walter) Mihm. She is also survived by other loving family members and dear friends. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister Kathy Hintz.

The first visitation will be held at the Blessed Savior Lutheran Church (15250 W Cleveland Ave, New Berlin, WI 53151) on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m.

The second visitation will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church (W10805 County Road B, Hancock, WI 54943) on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. until service at 2:30 p.m.

Burial will follow at the Grace Lutheran Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Lazarczyk and Stahl Funeral Homes are assisting the family.