Patricia Ann Kurz LPN

Patricia Ann “Pat” Kurz née Baker, LPN, 73, of Brookfield, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2025, after a sudden illness. We are heartbroken to announce her passing.

Pat was the beloved wife of James M. “Jim” Kurz; adored mother of Michelle L. Kurz and James W. Kurz; proud grandmother of Kasia J. Kurz; cherished sister of Marilyn Struxness (née Baker), and Edward “Eddie” Baker (Barbara). She was a dear sister-in-law to Sharon Style (née Kurz), William “Bill” Kurz, Kathleen “Kathy” Kalupa (née Kurz) (John). Pat was a loving aunt to Larry Baker, Richard Struxness, Debra “Deb” Wallner (née Schroeder)  (Scott), Penny Schroeder, Jeffrey “Jeff” Baker (Claudia), Toni Calmese (née Baker) (Kevin), Jennifer “Jenny” Camden (née Baker) (Jim), Jennifer “Jen” Smoody née Style (Matt), Christina Nelson (née Style) (John), Jim Kalupa (Melissa), Kori Reed (née Kalupa) (Jimmy), Jenna “Jenn” Rink (née Kalupa) (Mac). She was also a beloved great-aunt and 2nd great-aunt.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Chester L. “Chet” Baker and Mary A. Baker (née Rusch); her brothers Bernard Donald “Donnie” Schroeder, Arlan Baker “Sonny”, Michael L. Baker “Mike”, and Thomas “Tom” J.  Schroeder; her in-laws William “Bill” S. Kurz and Helen S. Kurz (née Pezewski), and her sisters-in-law and lifelong friends Cheryl J. “Sherry” Baker (née Hauck), and Jillian Kurz (née Pennyfeather) and her dear friend Steven “Steve” Cendretta.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Pat made lifelong friends on the north side of the city where she graduated from Custer High School. Pat loved dancing, and in 1970 she met the love of her life Jim at a dance club. Pat and Jim (“Just remember Peanut Butter and Jelly”) built a beautiful life together living on the Eastside where they had two children, Michelle and James. Moving back to the Northwest side of the city, Pat decided to achieve her lifelong dream of helping children by first attending nursing school.

Pat graduated from MATC with an associate’s degree in nursing and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Her successful nursing career began in Milwaukee in Geriatrics before she moved with her family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, from 1985 to 1989. After returning to Brookfield, Wisconsin, she had a long and amazing career as a Pediatric nurse at Milwaukee Medical Clinic, which later became Aurora Advanced Healthcare, where she retired.

Loved by all who met her, Pat will be remembered for her beautiful smile, vibrant spirit, and absolute love of people. She was a gifted trip and party planner whether it be with her husband going to different islands and PCB, family going to church picnics and fairs, or the yearly gathering of the “who let the girls out” crew. She treasured it so much that she was already planning for all the next year’s trips as soon as this year’s trip ended. She loved making people happy.

Pat cherished watching Korean Dramas with her daughter Michelle, making her son James his favorite foods like lasagna, and “super-rummaging” with her granddaughter Kasia. A passionate pediatric nurse, she was well known and loved by all her patients. Pat was an amazing cook known for her pizza fondue, fiesta dip, and her world-famous shrimp salad. Her bright personality was reflected in her love for polka dots, bright colors, and elephants.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on August 24, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Luncheon to take place at 1:00 PM.

In honor of Pat, please wear bright, happy colors or polka dots; and bring a fun story about her to share.

Instead of flowers or plants, donations may be made to Pat’s favorite charity: St. Judes Hospital. Impact the lives of St. Jude kids – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital