Barbara Jane Altekruse

Barbara Jane Altekruse, 80, passed away in Neenah on March 22, 2024. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Carl (Gertrude) Beyerlein on August 18, 1943. 

 Barbara graduated from North Side High School and began her post secondary education at Purdue University. It was there that she met the love of her life, Gene Edward Altekruse on a ride-share back to Fort Wayne. They married in 1963 and settled in Fort Wayne to start their life together. Barbara and Gene moved to Wisconsin with their family in 1975. They raised their children in Sussex, Wisconsin. Barbara earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Mount Mary College in 1984, after putting her education on hold to raise the family. Barbara and Gene built their dream home on Lake Winnebago in Stockbridge upon becoming empty nesters. Barbara worked alongside her husband in their company, Altek Technical Solutions, until their retirement.

Barbara was known for baking the most delicious cherry pies and had a fondness for cooking and tending her gardens. Barbara and Gene had a passion for adventure, going on road trips and picnics, locally and across the country. She treasured her time spent traveling to the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica. As a member of the American Association of University Women, Barbara had many friends in the Fox Valley.

 Barbara is survived by her son Kenneth (Karen) Altekruse, daughter Kristina (T. Matthew) Scott; grandchildren Benjamin Altekruse, Jason (Alyssa) McDuffee-Altekruse, Michael (Alexandra) Scott, Ellen Scott and sisters Rebecca (Thomas) Van Den Driessche and Susan Beyerlein.

 She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brother John Beyerlein, and daughter-in-law Sally Jaeger-Altekruse.

 A visitation for Barbara will be held at the First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North Street in Appleton, on April 6, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Diabetes Foundation.