Elfriede Helene Kurka

Elfriede Helene Kurka, age 96, of Stover passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the Golden Age Living Center.

On January 27, 1924 she was born, the only daughter of Fredrick and Herta Mueller Bothe in Wolfenbüttel, Germany. She was united in marriage to John Paul Kurka on October 9, 1943 in Germany, who preceded her in death on April 10, 1990.

Elfriede and her husband emigrated to the United States in 1953 and became citizens in 1964.

She worked as a meat packer for Usingers, putting in almost twenty-five years until she retired. In her time at Usingers, she worked with many Germans, Hungarians, Polish, Spanish, Croatians, and Serbs. To be able to communicate, they all spoke English.

Elfriede was incredibly hospitable. She loved having people over and everyone always felt welcome. She enjoyed her German music, crocheting, was a wonderful baker and everyone always commented on her roses. Animals loved her; even leaving their owner to run down the street to greet her.

She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stover.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. Gerald and Margie Kurka of Stover and Hans and Rosie Kurka of Las Vegas; six grandchildren, Johnny Kurka and wife Katie, Gary Kurka, Erika Taulbe and husband Josiah, Emanuel John Kurka and wife Alyssa, Jesse Kurka and David Kurka; five great grandchildren, Scout Kurka, Ezrah Taulbe, Josiah Taulbe, Elijah Taulbe Camilla Kurka, along with other relatives still in Germany and Poland.

In addition to her husband and parents, Elfriede was preceded in death by her brother, Heinz Bothe.

In keeping with her wishes, she was cremated.

A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stover with Rev. Erik Rottman officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or the St. Paul Lutheran School.