Colleen Ranae Kulas

Colleen Ranae Kulas, age 53, passed away on October 29, 2025, at Kathy Hospice in West Bend after a brief and sudden illness. Born on January 29, 1972, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was a cherished individual whose presence brought joy to many.

Colleen's career spanned over 20 years at Northwestern Mutual, where she served diligently as a Registered Client Care Services Senior Analyst. Her commitment to her work and her clients made a lasting impact and highlighted her dedication to excellence.

Colleen was deeply devoted to her family. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Piotr "Peter" Kulas, and their two sons, Maximilian and Alexander. Colleen was the beloved daughter of Jerome and Patricia (Czysz) Galaszewski, and she also leaves behind her mother-in-law, Teresa (the late Mieczyslaw "Mike") Kulas. Cherished sister of Carrie (the late Richard) Markowiak, and her brother, J.J. (Shelly) Galaszewski. She was a dear sister-in-law to Adam (Ania) Kulas, Beata (Mike) Haug, Jolka "Jo" Voigt, Anna (Luis) Betancourt, and Tomasz (Elzbieta) Kulas. Colleen is survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends who will remember her fondly.

As a proud woman of faith, Colleen served as a Godmother to Sam, Taylor, and Malachi—roles she embraced with joy and love. Her family shared many treasured memories, including camping trips in Adams Friendship, which brought them closer together. Colleen’s love for the outdoors and her passion for vacationing often led her to seek out tropical vibes, capturing the beauty of nature wherever she went. Together with her husband, she relished adventures on the open road, whether it was in their convertible or on a motorcycle, creating unforgettable moments along the countryside.

Colleen is preceded in death by her aunt Virgie and uncles Syl and Flory, father-in-law Mike, and brother-in-law Rich, who will now welcome her into eternal peace.

Visitation will take place at the Max Sass Funeral Home -Greenridge Chapel (4747 S. 60th St., Greenfield, WI) on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. A Vigil service will be held at 5:30 PM. A Mass celebrating Colleen’s life will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Josaphat (2333 S. 6th St,. Milwaukee, WI), at 10:30 AM.

Colleen Ranae Kulas will be greatly missed but will live on in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her strength, warmth, and spirit will forever be a part of the lives she touched.

The Home That Baba Built

There is a home that Baba built.

It was not made out of shame or worry or guilt.

Its foundation was built upon patience, love, and trust;

For Baba, all those were an absolute must.

A house is just a building with four walls and a roof;

But Baba made her house a home, and there’s plenty of proof.

Baba was born in Milwaukee and showered with love;

From her parents, siblings, cousins, all of the above.

She was a little girl with big glasses;

And a smile that could melt the hearts of the masses.

She loved her family and having fun;

She really did enjoy all the things that she had done.

Then one day, Baba met a peculiar fellow;

A man who barely knew English and had quite the bellow.

He came from a strange land far away and called himself the “Polish King;”

Though, he could not afford to show her luxuries and bling.

He arrived with his family with little to own;

But upon meeting Baba, he placed her upon a throne.

Soon, there were many late nights shared;

Long drives, frequent dates, all secrets and feelings were bared.

Shortly thereafter, Baba began working on a most grand and strange potion;

With help from the “Polish King,” things were set in motion.

What was she planning and making?

What was the thing that she was creating?

After many months, Baba was quite worn;

But it was well worth it, for something beautiful was born.

The fruit of Baba’s labour was my brother and I;

And no matter what, we were the light in her eye.

Baba taught us many life lessons;

Ideas, actions, and words that left many impressions.

She raised us to be smart, true, and kind;

To think for ourselves and not let other people make up our mind.

Baba spoke of us with great enthusiasm and pride;

When she spoke of our accomplishments, she cried.

She was quite the guardian, mentor, and teacher;

That was her most important feature.

With her family, Baba lived an exciting life;

It was full of love and adventure and not strife.

Baba had the chance to travel all over the world;

Her sails and hair frequently unfurled.

Baba travelled to Mexico, Poland, Canada, the Caribbean;

Who knows how many pools, hot tubs, and cenotes she’s peed in.

The beach and the water seemed to be Baba’s call;

There and at home is where she was at peace most of all.

Baba was devoted, both as a wife and mother;

With praise and love, she did smother.

But then, a terrible wind blew from the North;

Glioblastoma, it was called. Try saying that three times fast, for what it’s worth.

Along with it, a grave diagnosis;

Less than 2 years to live was the prognosis.

More winds blew from every direction;

Blood clots arrived, along with fungal infection.

But Baba was a true Amazonian, a fighter in every sense of the word;

All she could do was prepare and gird.

Although Baba’s vitality was slowly drained,

Her humor and personality remained.

She was funny and quite frank;

At the start of the movie Up, she shouted, “It’s Carl’s fault! He’s shooting blanks!”

However, in the end, the battle was lost.

The winds just kept blowing, and at a horrible cost.

But what happened to Baba’s home, you might say.

Well, it still stands, even to this day.

Although a solemn wind blows,

And the remaining occupants now have many woes:

Baba’s home still stands, tall and true;

And it always will, because Baba did her due.

Its foundation is built upon patience, love, and trust;

Because for Baba, all those were an absolute must.

A house is just a building with four walls and a roof;

But Baba made her house a home, and there’s plenty of proof.

Baba’s home will not collapse, shake, or crumble;

Nor will it crack, groan, or tumble.

It will not break, tumble, or tilt;

For that is the home that Baba built.

And when days are clear, look up to the sky with the sun in clear view;

Baba is living her dream, her last words: “I want to fly with you.”

And in Baba’s home, when days are good or rainy or rough;

You can still see Baba, you just have to close your eyes tight enough.

~Written by Alexander Jacob Kulas

In honor, dedication, and tribute to Colleen Ranae Kulas, the best mother and Baba of all