Barbara A Althen

Chilton WI

Barbara A. Althen, age 85, of Chilton, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the Homestead Care Center in New Holstein.  She was born August 13, 1939 in Sheboygan, daughter of the late Arnold & Lolo (Radtke) Damrow. 

For over 34 years, Barbara proudly worked as a machinist at Tecumseh in New Holstein.  With the skills she honed on the job, she was the person at home who could be found fixing anything that broke or was in disrepair.  

In her younger years, she enjoyed taking time to go play Bingo with her friends.  Throughout her life, she was a die hard sports fan and could watch football or baseball all day long, but never found herself wanting to watch a single basketball game.  Barbara enjoyed time spent outdoors fishing, and until Dale Earnhardt died she could often times be found watching NASCAR.  

Barbara was known to give of herself in an effort to build others up in their time of need.  She was always rooting for the “under dog” and whoever’s path she crossed, no matter their circumstances, she was always willing to offer them a second chance.  

Survivors include her daughter: Donna (John) Jolley; step-sons: Michael  (Debra) Althen, Kenneth (Michelle) Althen, Todd Althen; her grandchildren: Kyle Jolley, Katherine Jolley, Spencer Jolley, Kaitlynn (David) Milbauer, William (Sarah) Althen, Cassandra Messman, Alexander Timm, Angela (John) Brish, Doneen (Michael) Rutherford, Dakota Althen and his fiancée, Kelly; great grandchildren: Weston, Gavin (Arianna), Kale, Ronan, Michael, Christopher, Logan, Zachariah, Jack; great-great grandchild: Everleigh; a brother-in-law: Raymond Mallmann; and her special friends: Elaine Barton & Sharon Reese.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her 3 husbands: John, James & Steven; a son: Robert John Grothe; and her siblings: Judith, Caroline, Irene, Betty & Bonnie.  

Private family services are being held and Barbara will be laid to rest at the Calvary Cemetery in Sheboygan.  

Memorials given in the name of Barbara A. Althen are appreciated.  They may be directed to: The Family of Barbara Althen, % Wieting Family Funeral Home, 411 W. Main St., Chilton, WI 53014.