Late Saturday morning, March 7, our beautiful, gracious and loving mother, Barbara Jane Tourtillott, age 68, passed away peacefully in Appleton.
Barbara was born on Dec. 4, 1946, in Keshena, the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Mildred (Fossum) Kaquatosh. Barbara received an associate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and went on to work as an administrative assistant for the Menominee Tribe for many years.
On Aug. 13, 1992, Barbara was united in marriage to Lavern “Vern” Tourtillott Jr. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit. In their free time, Barb and Vern enjoyed watching the birds, doing crossword puzzles, playing cribbage and spending time with the family. Barb especially loved her Saturday shopping trips and Sunday visits that included the Sunday newspaper and a fresh loaf of bread. She was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and enjoyed the time she spent volunteering at church activities.
She was a very proud mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Vern; five children, Lois Waukau, Paula Waukau, Kathy Waukau, William (Tracy) Waukau and Sandra (Brent) Waubanascum; three sisters, Clara (Tom) Hartman, Jeanette (Robert) Orheim and Olga (Jim) Duran; a brother, Bernard J. (Charlotte) Kaquatosh; numerous grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Barbara is resting in God’s heavenly arms with three grandchildren, Alex, Kateri and Jeffrey; her parents; and three brothers, Alfred Kaquatosh, Clifford Kaquatosh and Eugene Kaquatosh.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Neopit with the Rev. Charles Hoffman and Deacon Tom Hartman officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the Kiefer Room at the Neopit Community Center until the time of the services Wednesday. A parish wake service was held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2015, in the Kiefer Room.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Barbara’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Culhane for his care, concern and all the love he gave their mother throughout the years. They will forever be grateful.