Barbara Kau Ebert

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our mother, Barbara Kau Ebert, who died peacefully on July 3, 2026, surrounded by family and friends after a brief hospital stay.

Barbara is survived by her children, Christine Ebert and Steve Ebert (along with his stepchildren and grands); her siblings, Larry Kau (and his children and grandkids), Kathy (Kim) Woolsey (and her children and grands), Mary Kay Plaut (and kids), Peggy (Dave) Skowlund, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Barbara would probably prefer that we skip the sad part and get on with the stories.

Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Barbara approached life with an insatiable curiosity and the firm belief that there was always something new to learn. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree and then kept going, taking continuing education classes in finance, business, Spanish, and just about anything else that caught her attention. If knowledge was available, Barbara was probably signing up for it.

Her career was anything but ordinary. She worked in Shipping and Receiving at A.O. Smith before becoming a tour guide at Old World Wisconsin, where she somehow managed both horse teams and wagonloads of tourists—an accomplishment that likely required the same skill set. Later, she spent many years at UW–Whitewater before moving to UW–Milwaukee, where she became the person countless students were grateful to find when they needed help figuring out which classes would actually get them to graduation.

As if a full-time career and raising three children weren't enough, Barbara filled her "free time" with teaching Religious Education, serving in the PTO, working on a farm accident study through UW Extension, volunteering at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, judging Wisconsin high school forensic meets, and volunteering on political campaigns. More than once, she recruited her children to help because she believed civic participation wasn't just something you talked about—it was something you did.

When she wasn't volunteering, Barbara enjoyed traveling to places such as England, Greece, France, and Canada, always eager to experience something new.

Then there were the books.

To call Barbara a reader would be like calling Lake Michigan a pond. She delighted in wandering through used bookstores, hunting down the perfect title for friends and family. Somehow, she remembered not only what she'd already given each person, but also what they'd read, what they liked, and what belonged next on their unofficial reading syllabus. Even in her final days, she was still setting aside books for new babies and family members she knew would love them. Finding the right book for someone was one of the many ways she said, "I love you."

Barbara leaves behind a family who inherited her love of learning, her commitment to helping others, and at least a few overflowing bookshelves. She will be remembered for her quick mind, generous spirit, tireless volunteerism, infectious curiosity, and her uncanny ability to know exactly which book you should read next.

If there is a library in heaven, we suspect she's already reorganized a section, made a few recommendations, and started a lively discussion with anyone willing to listen.



A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.