Else Kuerten
Else was born on May 5, 1938 at a German settlement in Tschervenka, Yugoslavia to Peter and Margit Reitenbach. Her family moved to Chicago in 1952 where she graduated from Lake View High School and then attended Taylor University in Indiana. In 1962, she married Robert J. Kuerten and they lived in Deerfield, Illinois for almost 50 years. Else was an executive secretary for medical product companies and moved to Sun Prairie in 2011 to be closer to her daughter’s family after Bob died. The wonderful staff at Tivoli has cared for her since 2018 and a huge “thank you” goes out to all of them.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the church, the Sun Prairie EMS, or the Adams County Humane Society.
Else is survived by:
Daughter: Janet Leja of Grand Marsh, WI
Grandson: Jimmy Leja of Menasha, WI
Grandson: John Leja of Appleton, WI
Son-In-Law: James Leja of Grand Marsh, WI
Sister: Caroline Reitenbach of Glenview, IL
Sister: Kathe Baffes of Metairie, LA
Niece: Karen Kamphausen of Chicago, IL
Niece: Sharon Bosio of Metairie, LA
Niece: Tina Rivas of Metairie, LA
Else was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her son, Jay; her parents, Peter, Margit and Elisabeth (Ma) Reitenbach, her in-laws, I. John and Elizabeth Kuerten, her nephew, Glenn Kamphausen; her brother-in law, Chris G. Baffes and her many beloved pets.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com to offer on-line condolences.
Else was just a special woman. She was what could be described as a class act…a woman very comfortable in her own skin. I loved hearing the stories of her life.
Pat Nicholson, a neighbor from Sun Prairie
Else, Bob, and Jay were our neighbors in Deerfield and we were so fortunate to have them close by. Always a wave, a smile, and a story to make living in our neighborhood special. We are sorry for your loss Janet… hugs to you.
We are so sad to hear about your mom leaving this world. She is always going to be in your heart & left you with amazing memories. Sending you many prayers & hugs. Love you.
Janet and family, I am very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May the Great Spirit above along with our Heavenly Father hold all of you ever so close and give you comfort as you face the days, weeks, months and years to come. Through your tears and your laughter and then your tears again I hope your memories will also give you comfort. My deepest sympathy, Kay
Janet, so sorry to read about your mom passing, will keep her in my prayers and always remember the good times.
I met Else when we both worked at Clintec. She was a wonderful mentor and friend to me. She was my other German Mom. I know losing Bob and Jay was so hard on her. I hope they are together now. Sending sincere condolences to you and your family, Janet.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Hug to you Janet and the family!!
Janet, sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Prayers and hugs for you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Else’s passing. She was a great person, and have so many memories of spending time with her and her family.
So sorry to hear of your loss, Janet. Love & hugs to you & your family.
Very sorry to see that your Mom passed away, sincere condolences to you and your family.