Althea E. Kumbalek

Kumbalek, Althea E.
(Olsen)
Appleton

Age 91, slipped away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 26, 2004, with her family by her side. The last of nine children, she was born to the late Anton and Jorgina (Gullickson) Olsen on February 8, 1913 on the family farm in the town of Carlton, Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. She attended a one room school house in Kewaunee County and later graduated from the Le Clair School of Beauty Culture in Milwaukee with a degree on cosmetology. Working as a young woman at the Vogue Beauty Shop in Manitowoc, she made lifetime friendships. On February 19, 1940, she married Bennett A. Kumbalek and resided in Manitowoc. He preceded her in death in 1988. Appleton became their home in 1952. Althea was an active member of Ladies of St. Joseph Society and the school’s hot lunch program. She strongly encouraged her children in band and scouting, giving them a deep love of music and a strong appreciation of friendship. In 1964 she returned to her work as a beautician at Outagamie Health Center until retiring in September, 1982. She enjoyed retirement, filling it with bus trips, growing flowers and crossword puzzles. She loved sending and receiving letters and good meals at Golden Basket and Trim B’s.

Althea is survived by her son, Michael (Jeanne) Kumbalek of South Holland, IL; daughter, Mary Kumbalek and her life partner Denise of Appleton; grandchildren: Brien (Christy) Kumbalek of Granger, IN, Karen Bourasaw-Hiroskey of Appleton, Nick Hiroskey (special friend, Ruth) of Neenah, Rachael Kumbalek and sister Lena Izzo, both of South Holland; great grandchildren: Kyra, Bennett, Keisha, Mariah, Caleb, Cassie and Allie. She is further survived by beloved nieces and nephews.

Althea was preceded in death by her husband Bennett, her parents; brothers: Lawrence, Arthur and Gordon; sisters: Meta, Florence, and Mabel; and infant siblings: Mabel and Edna.

The funeral liturgy will be at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 West Lawrence Street, Appleton, with Fr. Larry Abler officiating. Friends will be received at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the liturgy. Burial will be at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton.

All of the family members join in special thanks to Denise for providing Althea her heartfelt wish to stay in the home she loved for the final years of her life. A special thank you also to Dr. Grant for many years of compassionate and loving care. Further, a very special thank you to the staff at Regis Salon for making Althea feel and look beautiful and to Rick and Jody Hall for many years of love and friendship.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231