Barbara J. Kwiatkowski

Barbara J. Kwiatkowski, 70, of Hazelhurst, died Friday evening, January 24, 2025, due to complications of pancreatic cancer. She was born November 13, 1954 in Appleton, the daughter of Carl and Ruth Ebben. She was raised in the Appleton area and attended St. Joseph Grade School, Wilson Junior High and graduated from Appleton West High School in 1973.

Barb had worked for 25 years at Marshfield Clinic in Medical Records and was known for taking walks on her lunch breaks. Prior to this, she had worked at Burton Industries and worked alongside several of her brothers at Acme Press in Appleton, which her father owned.

Barb was full of life, vibrant, magnetic and loved unconditionally. Family was important to her; she made many sacrifices along the way so they could feel loved and well cared for. She made numerous costumes for her boys and herself. In addition, Barb also made and wore her homemade costumes for the holidays while working at the Marshfield Clinic, Minocqua Center. Many will remember her for the homemade treats she shared at family get-together’s, especially at Christmas and for wearing her decorative festive socks.

Barb’s caring nature and concern for others was evident after the loss of her son, Josh, when she was one of the driving forces behind starting and operating the Northern Lights Chapter of Compassionate Friends.

Barb enjoyed downhill skiing and always appreciated skiing at Alpine and going on family trips to the UP, Lutsen, Minn. and Colorado. Other favorite pasttimes were reading, camping, fishing and making quilts and giving them to the special people in her life. She was especially overjoyed to have the opportunity to make a special quilt for her only grandson, Lewis, who she shared a special bond with. Barb had a unique ability to give warmth and comfort which always extended beyond the moment to her friends and family. Barb welcomed Heidi and Norah to their family unconditionally and always looked forward to spending time with them.

Barb loved to fish and was very good at it. Marty often said if it wasn’t for her fishing skills they would not have enjoyed all the Friday fish fry’s they had throughout the years. Barb also relished fishing Lake Kabetogama and Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park where she and Marty worked during the summer with very special friends, Sheri and Jeff Krueger. Marty often told people he would love to go fishing with them but could never sneak the boat out of the yard without Barb knowing it. As a family, they were able to enjoy many fishing and camping trips to Canada.

Barb is loved and will be missed by her husband of 47 years, Marty; her sons whom she loved very much Sam and the late Josh; her grandson, Lewis, whom Barb treasured beyond measure; extended family, Heidi and Norah; her brothers and sisters, Cliff (Mary), Steve, Nancy, Peg, Dan, Eric (Dawn), Andy Ebben and the late Tom. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a college fund being established for Lewis.

Services will be held on Monday, Feb. 3, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m.

Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.