Kathleen A. Barkow

Kathleen Ann Barkow (née Furtmann) passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at the age of 83, at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, with her rosary in hand and surrounded by the love of her family. While visiting loved ones in Wisconsin, Kathy was called home to the Lord after a courageous journey through many health challenges.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kathy made her home over the years in Brookfield, Hartland, Okauchee Lake, and most recently Fort Myers, Florida. She was a devoted member of St. Charles Catholic Church during her years in Wisconsin and later St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Fort Myers.

Kathy’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She trusted God completely, especially during life’s most difficult moments, and found strength in prayer. She faithfully prayed the Rosary every day—not only for those she knew and loved, but also for complete strangers in need of God’s grace. Her quiet faith, compassion, and unwavering trust in the Lord touched countless lives.

She generously volunteered through her parish, singing in the church choir, baking for church events, attending parish meetings, and serving wherever she was needed. Supporting her church community and living her faith brought her great joy.

Above all else, Kathy treasured her family. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by those she loved. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, sister-in-law, and friend. She especially enjoyed baking for her family and cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Even while facing her own health struggles, Kathy always placed the needs of others before her own, offering encouragement, prayers, and kindness to everyone she met. She rarely complained, never spoke ill of others, and always chose to see the good in every person.

Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph C. Furtmann and Catherine R. Furtmann, along with many cherished family members and dear friends who welcomed her into eternal life.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, John H. Barkow; her children, Lori (John) Evans, Julie (Jim) Slaski, Jenny Kohlhoff, and Johnny Barkow; and her treasured grandchildren, Sierra Kohlhoff, Nicole Slaski, Luke Slaski, Allison Slaski, Katryna Evans, and Elena Evans. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Kathy’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love, selfless service, and constant prayer. She lived a life centered on Christ, always believing God would provide and that every person deserved kindness, compassion, and love. Though her family grieves her loss, they find comfort knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Charles Catholic Church, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, Wisconsin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the Borromeo Room at St. Charles.

A private burial for the immediate family will take place at 2:00 p.m. at La Belle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to AngelsGrace Hospice in gratitude for the compassionate care they provided during Kathy’s final days.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23