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Kathleen Muehlbauer

December 20, 1949 - June 6, 2026
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee
9000 West Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Saturday 6/27, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee
9000 West Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Saturday 6/27, 3:00 pm
Memorial

If desired, donations may be given to the charity of your choice helping children.

Kathleen M. Muehlbauer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, age 76, passed away at home unexpectedly Saturday June 6, 2026, after a courageous 50+ year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on December 20, 1949 daughter of George and Marion (Oehmen) Muehlbauer, 5 minutes after her twin brother Michael.

She is survived by her devoted lifelong partner of 44 years, Neil McIntosh, beloved brother and sisters: Ken (Teri) Muehlbauer, Michael Muehlbauer, Marlene (Dan) Vanderboom, Patti (Rick) Peplinski; loving nieces and nephews: David Muehlbauer, Meghan (John) Wetzel, Karen (Sarah) Muehlbauer, Sarah (Jeremy) Skalitzky, George Muehlbauer, Jeane (Jeremy) Boness, Lisa (Damir) Peplinski; Great nieces and nephews: Nicky, Haley, McKayla, Michael, Dillon, Coraline, Christian, Samuel, Brooklyn, Isaiah, Kieran, Lydia, Charlotte, and Luci. She is also survived by Aunt Lois Tesch, many cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Marion (Oehmen) Muehlbauer, niece Helen Farmer, sister-in-law Janet Muehlbauer and other relatives.

Kathleen grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, graduating from Messmer High School class of 1968, UW Madison 1973 with a degree in Physical Medicine, licensed Physical Therapist, followed by master’s degrees in Psychology, Social Work and Early Childhood Education. She worked many jobs with her favorite at Curative Workshop working with infants and young children. She loved her job! She also loved helping others through many volunteer experiences from infants to teens and adults. Kathleen had an endless thirst for knowledge.

Kathleen loved life, family and friends. She had a great sense of humor. She loved a good intellectual debate, was an avid reader and writer and always got the big words in her favorite game Scrabble. She enjoyed cheering on the Bucks and the Badgers.

Kathleen didn’t allow her physical challenges to prevent her from enjoying a full and vibrant life. It was very important for her to be independent, only allowing help when she asked! Schedules and routines became very important.

As a child she played piano and accordion leading to lifelong love of music, theater and the Arts. Before and after her M.S. diagnosis, she enjoyed biking, folk dancing, skiing, sky diving, golfing, karate, swimming, kayaking, photography, cooking, sharing meals, nature, camping, world travelling, concerts, fairs, comedy clubs, clowning, Bridge, games, writing, and too many other activities to list them all! We are all amazed at the travels she took with crutches and a wheelchair! When she no longer could do the things she loved, she took an early retirement at 55. She joined a Writers Workshop and became a published poet.

 

 

A story she self-wrote last year, sums up her life the best:

An Interesting Road by Kathleen Muehlbauer Writers Workshop 2025 United States.
Can a nine-year-old make a lifetime decision? I decided to become a physical therapist and help children with polio learn how to walk again. By the time I was a therapist polio had been eradicated in the United States.
I chose to study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, I had the special opportunity to train with twenty-five other physical therapists from around the United States. It was a three-month nine-to-five intensive training course on handling babies with cerebral palsy or developmental delays. We used our hands in special ways to increase or decrease muscle tone so the baby could move and then again using our hands in particular ways the child could develop normal motor skills. I loved my job!

Suddenly I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The babies were too heavy for me. I had to find another career, so I went to graduate school and became a psychotherapist. I went from facilitating muscles for movement to guiding minds emotionally and psychologically so that an individual could try to reach their life goals or solve problems. I practiced individual, family and couples therapy. I also taught communication skills and stress management.

Physical barriers impeded my way and I chose to take an early retirement at fifty-five. I joined a Writer’s Workshop and have become a published poet. I will continue to write.

My partner of forty-four years is now also disabled and we lead a quiet, content, pleasant life. I am seventy-five years old.

Kathleen loved giving and her wish was to continue giving back through research. Her brain will continue to help others with her donation to the Medical College Wisconsin Brain Bank. Further research of her brain will help others with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.

Another of her writings from 2023 titled “Things I have forgotten” is why we will never forget Kathleen. She leaves us with many heartfelt memories. She will be forever missed, forever loved! Her writing referred to being blessed with wonderful siblings, spending her life with a “fantastic man that I dearly love” and being blessed every night with “good night darling.” Goodnight Kathleen, we will see you in our dreams!

 

Kathleen’s Celebration of Life and farewell service will be held at at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday June 27, 2026.

Visitation 1:00 PM – 2:45PM,

Service 3:00PM

If desired, donations may be given to the charity of your choice helping children.

 

Smiling woman with short blonde hair and glasses, wearing a red scarf and blue top, against a blurred red background.
Older woman in a purple blouse sits in a wheelchair beside a smiling boy in a plaid shirt in a living room.
Five children stand in a row outside a doorway, wearing vintage coats and hats in a sepia-toned photo.
Group of five smiling adults posing under a blue canopy outdoors, with flowers in the foreground and a house behind them.
Two women shake hands at a busy indoor gathering; one stands in a red shirt, the other sits in a wheelchair at a community event.
Shell on wet sand with a cursive beach poem and 'Author: Unknown'—captioned 'Peace of the Beach'.
Two costumed clowns share a moment, wearing white shirts with cartoon designs, rainbow suspenders, and bright hats at a festive event backlit by colorful decor.
Older woman with short gray hair and glasses holds a smiling baby in a panda outfit on a brown recliner.
Grandmother with glasses sits on a brown couch, cradling a newborn baby in a pale outfit with a panda face.
Three women posing at a restaurant table; center woman wears a jeweled crown and a green patterned top.
Black-and-white group portrait of adults in 1960s-style formal attire, smiling for a studio photo.
Three young children play on swings in a sunny park; one stands nearby while two sit in swings, vintage photo. Silhouetted play scene from childhood.
Three young children outdoors; two babies sit in a small wagon, an older boy stands behind them in a striped sweater.
Four young children sit on the front steps of a wooden house; a girl in a dress sits second from the left among three boys.
A group of seven young children pose on a wooden bench in a yard, with a bicycle and fence in the background.
Woman in a purple shirt sits in a wheelchair, holding a young child by a pond in a sunny garden.
Two smiling women pose together in a home, one in a red cardigan seated in a wheelchair and the other standing beside her in a gray sweater.
Older man with a white beard wearing a black beanie and glasses, holding a gray shoulder bag and wearing a red apron in a doorway.
Three women sit at a restaurant table with menus, pink napkins, and roses, posing for a photo.
A vintage black-and-white photo of a multiGenerational group of six people sitting on a couch, smiling and gathered around a table with wrapped gifts and a birthday cake visible in front.
Five smiling women posing for a group photo in a bar, wearing name badges and casual outfits, darts board and televisions in the background.
Two smiling seniors pose together in a casual restaurant; the man holds a small black-and-white photo of a man.
Six young children sit side by side on a couch, each holding small toys, in a vintage living room with a window and patterned curtains behind them.
A smiling young boy and an older woman with glasses sit together at a wooden table, looking at papers on the table with a Pooh's Pop-Up Stories book visible in the foreground.
Young boy resting his head on his hand while reading a paper at a table with an adult woman beside him looking on thoughtfully,
Two smiling older women sit together in a living room, wearing matching navy sweaters with white tree patterns behind them is a wooden china cabinet.
Three-generation family in a living room: an elderly man with white hair stands behind a seated woman and a smiling boy in a wheelchair in the foreground.
Elderly woman wearing a pink top and colorful bead necklace, smiling outdoors.
Group of twelve people smiling under a white canopy outdoors, gathered behind a red tablecloth.
Group of five seniors posing outdoors around a red table in a sunny park setting.
Smiling multigenerational family around a wooden table with drinks and a red 'FAMILY' sign in the foreground.
Five young women posing together outdoors, smiling, in casual summer outfits with denim shorts and tank tops forgetfully close together in front of a brick backdrop.
Three women pose together in a living room, wearing 1960s dresses; date marked Nov 67.
Two smiling women at a restaurant table, one wearing a birthday crown, reading a card that says 'Let there be light'.
Grandmother wearing a birthday crown smiles at a young girl in a restaurant.
Group of people gathered around a restaurant table posing for a photo, smiling at the camera.
Four smiling women pose for a group photo in a casual restaurant; two stand behind, one sits in a wheelchair, all wearing name tags.
A woman seated with three children indoors, reading a book as they gather around her; one child on her lap and two standing nearby.
Group of eight women posing together in a casual restaurant, several wearing name badges; one woman sits in a wheelchair in front.
Vintage family portrait: a woman with glasses sitting on a couch, flanked by two young girls holding a baby between them, all smiling.
Elderly man in overalls and a woman in a purple sweater sit together on a couch, holding a framed photo of two smiling babies.
Two children in costumes sit on the floor indoors; the girl on the right wears a floral pajama-style outfit with braids and a feathered headpiece, smiling. The boy on the left wears a mask and a checkered coat over a light shirt.] } , {
An elderly man and woman sit together in a living room beside a decorated Christmas tree.
Two vintage portraits in a scrapbook: a boy in a white shirt and bow tie holding a small book, and a girl in a lace dress with a veil holding a keepsake.
Two seniors sit at a dining table with a chocolate cake, holding pink 'It's a GIRL' and blue 'It's a BOY' balloons.
Two elderly women sit at a dining table with a chocolate cake, drinks, and takeout boxes; one holds a card that reads Wisconsin.
Two smiling toddlers sit side by side in matching light outfits against a warm brown studio backdrop.
A man stands outside holding two babies, one in each arm, with a young boy nearby by shrubs; brick building and a fence behind them.
Woman with glasses sits in the driver's seat of a vintage car, hands on the steering wheel, retro dashboard gauges visible.
Two elderly women in wheelchairs indoors, one standing with arm around the other, both smiling in white jackets with tropical patterns.
A young girl in a blue sleeveless shirt stands beside two smiling older women in a kitchen; one is in a wheelchair.
Two smiling women in a cafe, one seated in a wheelchair wearing a brown jacket and blue sweater, the other standing behind her in a bright blue jacket.
Smiling woman in a wheelchair wearing glasses and a blue top, with another woman standing behind her in a blue jacket in a sunny indoor hall.
Three seniors pose for a photo at a celebration, the man on the left wearing a gold crown reading '39'. The woman in the middle smiles, wearing festive accessories; the person on the right wears a jeweled crown with '75'.
Two elderly friends pose for a birthday photo in a restaurant, with gifts and festive decorations in the background.
Smiling elderly woman in a blue plaid shirt sits behind a display of lit holiday decorations, including a white illuminated tree centerpiece and tiny colorful Christmas trees.
Group of smiling older adults gathered around a white-clothed table at a social event, with drinks in plastic cups and a small centerpiece visible in the background.
Three smiling older women sit around a dining table with glasses and a wrapped gift bag in the foreground. Left wears a beaded necklace, middle wears glasses and a red cardigan, right wears a striped vest.
Two smiling elderly women indoors; one seated in a wheelchair wearing a red coat and glasses, the other stands behind her with a hug at a social event.
Family posing in a grassy field on a sunny day; a person in a motorized wheelchair sits front and center with others standing nearby, colorful balloons in the background.
Three people stand together for a graduation photo: a graduate in a cap and gown between two friends, one in a light coat and the other in a tan jacket.
Three people pose outside a building; the central person wears a graduation cap and gown.
Two kids posing on a residential sidewalk with a street and houses in the background; one in a beige coat and scarf stands behind the other in a red plaid outfit.
Three women posing together for a photo, smiling, one flashing a peace sign in a warm-toned image (vintage style).
Vintage photo of five children sitting closely on a couch, with a baby in the center and two older kids on each side of him/her.
Group of people posing for a photo in a room with blue curtains in the background, smiling faces gathered together on a couch and floor.
Three elderly women indoors; one seated in a wheelchair wearing purple, with two standing behind, all smiling.
Two elderly women in a cozy living room; one stands and hugs the other in a wheelchair, both smiling.
Older woman with short gray hair and glasses sits in a wheelchair, wearing a pink shirt and holding a beige handbag on her lap.
Two elderly friends at a restaurant table, a colorful birthday balloon between them reads 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'.
Older woman with short gray hair and glasses smiles at a child in a purple dress as they sit at a wooden restaurant table in a booth.
Smiling elderly couple sitting at a table, leaning toward each other in a cozy setting.
Three women in black turtlenecks posing for a studio portrait, with two behind and one in front.
Top: an elderly man in denim overalls and a woman with glasses smiling; bottom: two babies in blue outfits looking aside.
Two smiling women sit closely in a small elevator or booth, holding colorful cards and gifts displayed together.
Two elderly women in red festive outfits smile at the camera while seated at a diner table; one wears a bead necklace and the other a snowflake design shirt, ketchup on the table behind them.
Four young children pose on a couch in a vintage photo: a baby in front left, two older girls in the middle, and a girl on the right with a doll.”,
Newborn infant held by a woman in a light pink sweater, surrounded by family members in a warm gathering.
Woman in a red-and-white striped top and red skirt sits on a wooden park bench, smiling, with a beige bag over her shoulder on a sunny day in a park.
Clown in a yellow coat with white hat, red nose, white makeup, and a polka-dot scarf indoors wearing a name badge.
Close-up of a multicolored floral mosaic pattern on fabric.
Portrait of a smiling person with short hair, wearing a dark top, in a mounted photo frame.
Old sepia-toned family photo of six young children sitting together on a crocheted blanket, smiling at the camera.
Four children sit on the floor by a window in a sepia-toned vintage photo, wearing dresses and shirts.
Two children in cowboy costumes pose indoors beside a Christmas tree, one holding a toy horse.
Boy in a blue jacket leans beside an elderly woman in a wheelchair, both smiling in a cozy home; the woman holds a lunch tray with fruit and a water bottle nearby.
Two young children sit on a swing set in a field, holding hands and smiling at the camera in a vintage sepia-toned photo.
Older man with glasses in a striped shirt posing with a smiling woman in a plaid shirt indoors.
Three people posing closely for a group photo, all smiling; two are wearing glasses.
Young girl in a patterned lace dress with a flower crown, outdoors near a house, looking downward at the ground.
Three adults posing together indoors, smiling for the photo. A woman in yellow on the left, a person with light hair in the middle, and a woman in a striped dress on the right.
Two children sit at a table eating, with paper cups and plates in front of them; the boy on the left rests his chin on his hand as he looks ahead.
Older couple posing together on a sunlit terrace with a desert town in the background at sunset.
Woman in a teal top sits at a table with a frosted cake, smiling at the camera in a cozy room.
Smiling woman with short red hair and glasses wearing a light-gray trench coat indoors.
Portrait of a woman with short blond hair and round glasses, seated inside a tram wearing a teal jacket and a colorful graphic T-shirt with a belt visible.
Person standing in a sunny forest clearing, wearing a teal jacket, pink pants, sunglasses, and white sneakers, holding a wooden walking cane in one hand and a small black camera in the other.
Person in a teal hoodie and sunglasses stands at a railing, binoculars hanging from their neck, overlooking the Grand Canyon.
Woman in a white tank top seated in a red patterned armchair, gently holding a small dog.
Woman outdoors, wearing a pink polo shirt, standing on gravel and using forearm crutches with braces on both arms.
Woman in a pink polo shirt and light cap riding a bicycle with a front basket along a gravel path beside a wildflower field.
Person on a mobility scooter rides along a riverside promenade, with a medieval fortress perched on a hill in the background.
Woman with short blonde hair sits against a tree reading a notebook outdoors in a park setting.
Person in sunglasses and a dark ski jacket carries a pair of skis over their shoulder on a snowy ski resort, with other skiers and a lift in the background.
Two people walk through a snowy resort area with cabins in the background; a woman in a brown jacket and light jeans leads, while a person in a red jacket follows.
Smiling woman in a brown jacket sits on a snow-covered surface with a snowy valley, hills, and a lake in the background.
Two smiling women posing outdoors in winter; one wearing a white knit hat and light jacket, near a red pole.
Two skiers in light jackets standing on a snowy slope with ski poles and skis on, chairlift in the background and bare trees lining the hill.
Woman with short white hair in a white blouse and red skirt standing on a lawn beside a tree in a sunny yard.
Young woman with blonde hair in a red blazer and white collar smiles at the camera indoors, standing by a wooden door.
Two older adults leaning close together and smiling at the camera; man with gray hair and beard wearing glasses, woman with short hair in a green sweater with a Christmas tree pin.
Three women sit close together at a wooden table with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera in an indoor setting. Left wears green shirt and red turtleneck, middle wears a striped sweater, right wears a blue sweater.
Smiling couple sits at a kitchen table with a decorated rectangular birthday cake on a plate in front of them.
An older man with white hair and beard leans in to kiss a smiling woman wearing a teal top at a social gathering.
Two elderly women embrace and smile at a social gathering, one wearing a teal floral jacket.
Man wearing glasses sits on a sofa with two young girls and a baby in front, in a sepia-toned family photo.
Two young children sit on the floor at a Christmas gathering: a boy in a robe and eye mask, and a girl in pajamas with a hat and braids, with a Christmas tree in the background.
Older couple at a bar; man with white hair and beard in a light blue shirt, woman with glasses in a white blouse smiling at the camera.
Smiling older couple stands arm in arm in front of a decorated Christmas tree.
Woman with short hair and glasses cradling a newborn baby in her arms while sitting in a chair, baby wrapped in a light outfit and looking up at her.
Collage of two family photos titled 'The Muehlbauer's': left image shows five adults outdoors, smiling on a porch; right image shows five children in vintage clothing posing in a sepia-toned photo
Two women wearing glasses pose for a photo at a crowded indoor gathering.
Man in a denim shirt and a woman in a black coat pose indoors, the man holding a large boxed gift near a Christmas tree.
Smiling elderly man and woman pose together, framed by a red birthday prop with confetti at an outdoor gathering.
Older woman with glasses and a young girl smiling while holding a cat indoors during a holiday scene.
Young girl in a yellow dance dress with a polka-dot bodice and bow poses with an older woman on a porch; a cane rests nearby.
Smiling woman with glasses in a black winter hat holding a red scarf next to a man in a light gray-blue winter coat and black beanie.
Bride in a white gown with a grey shawl, holding a plate with cake, posing with a guest outside a stone building with a green door.
Group of six adults seated around a festive restaurant table with plates of food and drinks, smiling at the camera.
Woman wearing glasses and a patterned sweater plays a piano under a desk lamp.
Group of four children and an adult kneeling on the floor, coloring and drawing near a crib in a vintage setting.
Graduate in cap and gown posing in front of framed certificates on the wall.
Woman relaxing in a brown armchair, smiling while talking on a home landline cordless phone in a cozy living room with a plant behind her.
Woman speaking at a podium with a large MDA logo, microphone in hand, while a man sits at a table in the background (black-and-white photo).
Person in a vintage patterned suit with a tie, adjusting hair as they walk on a city street, carrying a shoulder bag.
Mother and father cradle twin newborns swaddled in blankets, smiling at their babies in a cozy setting.
Group of smiling people posing together indoors at a festive gathering (likely Christmas).
Group of seniors posing for a photo at a festive gathering in a bright dining area, smiling and wearing colorful bead necklaces.
Group of adults posing for a Christmas gathering indoors, decorated with a large wreath in the background (2007).
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Smiling woman wearing glasses and a bright red scarf, looking to the side against a blurred red background.
candle-small flame
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services
candle-small flame
Samuel Farmer
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Meghan Wetzel Light a candle
Light a Candle
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee
9000 West Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Map
Saturday 6/27, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Milwaukee
9000 West Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Map
Saturday 6/27, 3:00 pm
Memorial

If desired, donations may be given to the charity of your choice helping children.

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Kathleen M. Muehlbauer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, age 76, passed away at home unexpectedly Saturday June 6, 2026, after a courageous 50+ year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on December 20, 1949 daughter of George and Marion (Oehmen) Muehlbauer, 5 minutes after her twin brother Michael. She is survived by her devoted lifelong partnerContinue Reading

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Cindi Wright Kau left a message on June 27, 2026:
Kathleen was a very warm hearted and loving person. I'm glad we got to know her in her final years. God's Blessings to you all for peace in knowing she is with our great Lord. Keep her memories alive in your thoughts and stories. 🙏♥️🙏
Gail M Kimmes left a message on June 17, 2026:
Brad and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire family.
Don Pirrung left a message on June 16, 2026:
I was a classmate with Kathy at Messmer. At a very early age, Kathy was special in many ways. She was mature beyond her years. She was friendly, pretty, classy, and very intelligent. She will be missed by all.
Samuel Farmer left a message on June 15, 2026:
In memory of Kathleen Muehlbauer, Samuel Farmer lit a candle
Meghan Wetzel left a message on June 15, 2026:
In memory of Kathleen Muehlbauer, Meghan Wetzel lit a candle
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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