Barbara Jane Straus, 85, of Burlington, passed away after a brief illness on Dec. 15, 2023 at Aurora Medical Center.
Barb was born on Sept. 16, 1938, in Chicago, to Dr. Karl and Bernice Klocker. Her family later moved to Silver Lake. Barb attended Holy Name School in Wilmot and St. Mary’s High School in Burlington. On Sept. 27, 1958, she married Robert Straus. They welcomed five children. After the birth of their fifth child, Barb attended Kenosha Technical Institute in 1968 and became a licensed practical nurse. She worked with Dr. Paul Webber at the Burlington Clinic for thirty years.
Barb was a member of St. Mary’s Parish all of her adult life. She and Bob sent their children to school there, supporting their many school and sports-related activities. They volunteered at countless parish events and were choir members for twenty-five years.
Barb and Bob loved to travel. When the kids were young, they went on numerous fun-filled family vacations. In later years they traveled with friends making memories to last a lifetime. Barb loved to crochet, enjoyed going to see movies at the theater, and was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. Faith, family, and friends were priorities that were reflected in her Barb’s life.
Barb is survived by her children Debbi (Kelly) Warren, Tom (Leslie) Straus, Maribeth (Michael) Garcia, Jeff Straus and Kristine (Andrew) Sterkowitz; grandchildren, Anne Rapp (Jamison Burish), Laura (Travis) Pernsteiner, Hannah (Dakota) Horton, Abigail Sterkowitz (fiancé Zach Skrove), and Micah and Naia Velez-Straus; siblings Patty Ebbers, and Ann (Bob) Nienhaus; brothers-in-law James (Jane) Weis and Charles (Sandy) Straus; and sister-in-law Mary (Jim) Schneider. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, and sisters Karlene May-Gebhard, and Kathleen Weis.
Barb’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at Auora Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care. They especially want to thank Dr. Paul Webber, a devoted friend, amazing physician, and tireless advocate. Their hearts are filled with gratitude for the love and support he gave her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Parish or Catholic Central High School.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 from 3 until 7 p.m. at the Daniels Family Funeral Home in Burlington. A mass is planned for Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Burlington followed by a luncheon. Burial will take place at 3 p.m. at St. Mary Parish Cemetery in Burlington.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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