Kaye L. Schwalenberg

Kaye Lynn (Totzke) (Natzke) Schwalenberg was born August 30, 1957, to Albert and Agnes (Hartl) Totzke of Edgar, Wisconsin. I was baptized into God’s kingdom on September 15, 1957, and entered into His presence on September 3, 2026.

I am the fifth of six children, Carl, John, Aaron, Jane, myself, and Kristine. We lived on a farm in rural Edgar where I attended Edgar Public Schools, graduating in 1975. I then continued my education for two years at UWMC in Wausau. I worked at the Marshfield Clinic until I met Duane Natzke at the baseball diamond in Milan. He played for Wally & Bernie’s Bar and I cheered for Frankfort Cheese. I soon became a fan of Wally & Bernie’s and Duane and I were married on September 25, 1982. We were blessed with two wonderful sons, Andrew and Benjamin, and a beautiful and energetic grandson (Isaiah). Duane and I farmed in Milan, WI for 25 years; raising our boys, caring for the land, milking cows and caring for our extended family. I have many fond memories of our life in Milan.

In 2008, we decided to sell the farm and move on to the next phase of our lives. Duane could see the future of farming was to “get big or get out.” We opted for the latter and sold the farm, moving to Poniatowski. Tragically Duane suffered a serious brain hemorrhage and passed into heaven on December 9, 2011. Looking back, I can see the hand of God in my life. Things would have been much more difficult had I been left with a farm to care for on my own. Although I missed Duane a lot, I continued on my next journey as a CNA at various assisted living facilities. But God had another plan for me.

In 2015, we called a new pastor to Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens. Duane and I had been attending Trinity since 1989, sending our boys to Trinity Lutheran School and actively being a part of their ministry. I was the custodian at the school, was part of the LWML, and sang with the Praise Team. God led Mark Schwalenberg to Trinity to be our pastor and the rest is history. Mark and I were married on December 31, 2016, and I stepped into a new role; a pastor’s wife. I have certainly been blessed beyond anything I could ever have imagined! God provided me with another best friend to enjoy the rest of my life with.

Mark retired in 2022 and we were looking forward to traveling, camping, and visiting grandchildren. I was having problems with my feet and leg weakness. Then my hands became weaker and my voice was changing. I was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2023, which I had probably been living with for two years. God has provided me with my wonderful husband and a support group of family and friends that have cared and prayed for me throughout my journey with this horrible condition. It robs you of the ability to do the things you enjoy most in life. For me that was walking, quilting, singing, playing cards (especially sheepshead!), and especially caring for and playing with my grandchildren. What I wouldn’t give for the chance to get down on the floor with them, read and sing to them or toss a ball in the backyard!

I have been blessed with seven grandchildren; Isaiah, Abigail, Riker, Charlotte, Vivienne, David, and Miles who mean the world to me. My sons, Andy (Lori) Natzke and Ben (Renee) Natzke, and Mark’s daughters, Lisa (David) Johnson and Anna (John) Puffett have truly been a blessing, as has Mark’s brother, Ryan (Julie) Schwalenberg and their family. Mark’s mom, Nancy Schwalenberg, who passed away in 2023 was also very special to me. My brother, Aaron Totzke, sister, Kristine Totzke; brothers-in-law, Jeff Carlson and Ronald Natzke; sister-in-law, Jean Totzke; and my nieces and nephews all hold a special place in my heart, as do my many cousins and other family. And, of course, all of my special friends, along with my Trinity family…Words cannot express what you all mean to me! I want to thank all of my friends for the many visits while I was unable to get out. You are all such a blessing to me. I have now joined my beloved Duane, mom and dad, Duane’s mom, Arline, brothers, Carl Totzke, John Totzke, sister, Jane Carlson, and my nephew Jeremy Totzke in heaven where we get to be with Jesus and enjoy a good game of sheepshead! My prayer is for all of my family and friends to join me here - all you need is Jesus!

I have always loved flowers, but I am asking that instead of flowers or plants (which my husband is not an expert in caring for!) that you give a donation to the ALS Association. Any gifts received, unless designated otherwise, will be given to the ALS Association. They do wonderful work in helping people live with ALS, but there is so much to do in helping to find a cure! If my passing can help facilitate a cure and prevent anyone else from having to exist with ALS, praise God! www.als.org.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my husband, Mark, family, friends, ALS support group friends, the excellent care of St. Croix Hospice (especially Brenda and Alyssa), Dr. Anderson and the incredible staff at the ALS clinic, Mayo Clinic, LaCrosse and all who prayed through this journey. I love you all and will see you in heaven!

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwarz officiating. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11 and continue on Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Burial will follow in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.