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Barbara E. Nelson

April 2, 1932 - May 17, 2026
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Thursday 5/28, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Thursday 5/28, 11:30 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to one of her favorite charities: Blessed Savior Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, or AbleLight.

Barbara passed away peacefully at Azura Assisted Living residence in Brookfield, Wisconsin on May 17, 2026, having blessed those around her for 94 years.

Barbara was born on April 2, 1932, in Milwaukee. She went to Rufus King High School, where she played baritone in the band. Her parents owned a bakery, which became her first job as a teenager. As a young adult, Barb was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed biking with American Youth Hostels, singing in the church choir, and dancing. It was at the YWCA dance lessons that she met her future husband, Ken Nelson.

She and Ken married in 1956, and together they raised 6 children – Rick, Ron, Sue, Laura, Judy and Debbie.  Their family life was filled with fun and healthy chaos, traveling around from sports to music events, taking road trips and camping for family vacations. The camping trips with the square dance campers built lifelong friendships for Barb and Ken, and typically included shared meals, nights of square dancing, sing-a-longs by the fire, swimming, fishing, and lots of memorable outdoor fun for the whole family. So many special memories and adventures, without stepping foot on an airplane (yet).  Barb and Ken were also very active in their church, singing in the choir, volunteering with the youth group, and coaching the softball team. Church and faith were very important to her and guided her journey through life.

As a mother, Barbara modeled the values of putting faith and family first, and that joy in life does not depend on riches but is built around relationships with others, creativity, hard work, good humor, and rising to the challenges life brings.  She was always present to support, cheer, chauffeur, and encourage all the kids as they explored their interests. As the kids grew older, she quietly let go so that they could spread their wings and make their own way.

As the kids left the nest, and with retirement at hand, it was time for Barb and Ken to see the world. They visited every US state, and all 7 continents, broadening their insights into other cultures, sampling amazing food, and sharing it all with the close friendships developed over the years. Back at home Barb and Ken became active in the Senior Center at New Berlin, where they took on volunteer roles, played cards, shared in outings, and expanded their network of friends even further.

As the kids married and had children of their own, she took great pleasure in sharing time with the grandkids – Dean, Alex, Brenda, Paige, Kyle, Alec, Kristen, Megan, and Ben. She and Ken flew from coast to coast, to make sure each grandchild knew they were loved and that she was excited to be their grandma. She continued to decorate their birthday cakes, attend their special events, and took great joy in watching them grow into their own person.

In her final years, as her body began to fail her, she dug deeper into her faith for strength and allowed her children the honor and privilege of caring for her now. She led a full and satisfying life, enriched by family, close friendships, and her deep faith in God.

Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin from 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM, with Memorial Service at 11:30 AM, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to one of her favorite charities: Blessed Savior Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, or AbleLight.

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Four smiling people stand together on a gymnasium volleyball court, wearing matching black T-shirts for a tournament.
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Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Thursday 5/28, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Thursday 5/28, 11:30 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to one of her favorite charities: Blessed Savior Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, or AbleLight.

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Barbara passed away peacefully at Azura Assisted Living residence in Brookfield, Wisconsin on May 17, 2026, having blessed those around her for 94 years. Barbara was born on April 2, 1932, in Milwaukee. She went to Rufus King High School, where she played baritone in the band. Her parents owned a bakery, which became herContinue Reading

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anonymous left a message on June 4, 2026:
Our thoughts are with your entire family. I have many good memories of Aunt Barbara - and Uncle Ken and my cousins and I'm sure you have so many more. We hope these good memories help you through this difficult time. Love, Karen & Bill
Kathy Bublitz left a message on May 28, 2026:
Barb & Ken were our 1st friends at Parkwood Highlands. We were brought together with our love of sheepshead & other games! Later, your daughters Sue & Debbie taught us Mahjong and together we learned another challenging game! I will miss you Barb... thank you for being my friend!!!
Michael Chung left a message on May 28, 2026:
Special lady, mother in law, grandmother to us. We will always remember the thoughtfulness, easy laughs, walks, hikes, curious food experiences, sports on TV with "oh come on!". We know you are with Jesus now but you will be missed here.
Anonymous left a message on May 27, 2026:
Megan & Family - We are thinking of you during this difficult time and send our condolences.
Designer's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Barbara Nelson by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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