Barbara K. Wetzel

Barbara “BK” Kollath Wetzel, age 82, of Appleton, WI and Brunswick, GA passed away on January 8, 2026. She was born to the late Erwin and Pearl (Rohm) Kollath on November 20, 1943.

Barbara, or “BK” as everyone called her, came from a family of educators. She earned her Bachelor's in Education at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and her Master's in Education from Troy State University in Alabama. Both her mother and brother were teachers in the Appleton School District for over 40 years; so she followed in their footsteps and dedicated 30 years to teaching throughout her career in Wisconsin and Alabama. Barbara enjoyed her teaching career at Lawrence University in Appleton, where she “taught teachers to be teachers.” Her commitment and dedication to the education sector couldn’t be matched, as she proved to be one of the most loved professors of her time.

Barbara will surely be remembered for her glittery, glamorous lifestyle and impeccable sense of fashion. She was an avid jewelry enthusiast, regularly exploring jewelry shows in Chicago with her best friend and sister-in-law, Cindy Kollath. Barbara had a deep passion for collecting and designing fine gemstones and creating unique and elegant one-of-a-kind pieces for her jewelry collection.

But just like the gems she proudly displayed, she too, was multi faceted. She was quite computer savvy, and even continued learning on her computer in retirement. She had a knack for making her own personal birthday cards for family members and always knew exactly what to say to make them smile. Barbara enjoyed snowmobiling up north in the cold Wisconsin winters and would ride miles on her sled to outrun the others who followed behind. She embraced the time she spent in the summer months in Crivitz and at Lac Vieux Desert with her late husband Jim, all of her children, and her grandchildren. She loved the sun and always rocked a killer tan. Barbara traveled around the world, including places like: Egypt, Africa, Germany, France, Australia, Holland, and Hawaii.

Her flair could also be seen in the evolution of her car choices over the years, from the charming blue Volkswagen, Elouise, to the sporty silver corvette with T- tops, and ultimately, to the luxury of Lexus and Cadillacs.

On most days, you could find Barbara snuggled up with one of her beloved animal companions, enjoying a good book and a glass of her favorite chocolate wine. More than anything, though, Barbara loved her family and cherished every moment she could with her girls, grandkids, and great grands. She was so proud of everyone she helped to raise.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her children and stepchildren: Wendy Wetzel (Rick) Carter, Stacy Lee Wetzel, Lori (Jason) Olsen, Lisa (Bruce) Van Schyndel; grandchildren: Mariah (Travis) Carter, Ryan (MaryEllen) Carter, Allyssa (Sterling) Rosenau-Peterson, Jaron Rosenau, Autumn (Blaine) Wolff, Paige Olsen, Jeremy (Mandy) Van Schyndel, Adam Van Schyndel, Mandy Remter (Tyler), and Camryn Hokenstad; great grandchildren: Aiden Wetzel, Ella Pearl and Harmony Schramm, Caroline Rohm Carter, Carson and Carolynn Carter, Ellen, Matthew, and Isaac Rosenau, Marlee, Zane, and Isolde (deceased) Peterson, Trenton, Tenley, Talon, Emma, and Tay Van Schyndel, Bentley and Berkley Remter, and Tatum Lauson; special sister in law, Cindy Kollath; special niece, Kelly Kollath; her furry friend, Dutton; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard Kollath; her nephew, Eric Kollath; and husbands, Bob Wetzel and Jim Huss.

A celebration of life will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Monday, January 19, 2026at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911, with a memorial service at 1 P.M. Barbara will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI. 

Barbara’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Hearth Hospice in Brunswick, Georgia for the exceptional care they provided and to Von Gamble, Mary Beverly, and Sherry Powers, some of the many friends whom she considered family, for being at her side during her last days.