Barbara Mae (Mellenkamp) Gustke

Barbara M Gustke, age 93 of Prairie du Chien, formerly of Arlington Heights, IL passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024, at her home in Prairie du Chien. She was born in Chicago, IL on May 1, 1931, the daughter of George and Ethel (Wahlquist) Mellenkamp. Growing up in Park Ridge, IL, she graduated from Maine High School before attending Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Barbara married Glenn R. “Gus” Gustke on May 5, 1951, in Park Ridge, IL. Together, they raised 3 daughters in Arlington Heights, IL. Barbara was a stay-at-home mom for many years and was active in the girls’ activities, including being a room mother, PTA and Girl Scouts. She worked outside of the home in retail to provide the extras. She worked for Zurich Insurance, in the accounting department for many years until retirement. Barbara and Gus enjoyed visiting their home in Lake Geneva in Southeast Wisconsin, and spending time on their sailboat which was affectionately named “Gus’ Girls”, after their 3 daughters. Barbara enjoyed golfing and worked hard to successfully improve her game. Barbara and Gus also loved traveling to many places around the world. Barbara’s husband Gus preceded her in death on December 25, 2023. She is survived by her 2 daughters Kathleen Pettit and Linda (Calvin) Zimmerman; grandchildren Michael (Amanda) and Jason (Megan) Pettit, Kyle Zimmerman and Stefanie Preston, and Todd (Maria) Zimmerman, Sally (Brad) Orlando, Dyan (Deltrick) Dagon, and Kurt Cooper; great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Mikey, Savannah, and Isabelle Pettit, Kash Dagon and Logan Orlando. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Marie Cooper. According to Barbara’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services at this time. Private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Town of Maine Cemetery in Park Ridge, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, PO Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910 (https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org). 

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