Kaye Schwalenberg
Kaye Lynn (Totzke) (Natzke) Schwalenberg was born August 30,1957, to Albert and Agnes (Hartl) Totzke of Edgar. She was baptized into God’s kingdom on September 15, 1957, and entered into His presence on September 3,2026.
Kaye is the fifth of six children: Carl (Jean), John, Aaron, Jane (Jeff), herself and Kristine. They lived on a farm in Edgar where she graduated from Edgar High School in 1975 and continued her education at UWMC. She met Duane Natzke at the softball diamond in Milan, and they were married on September 25,1982. They farmed in Milan for 25 years where they raised their sons, Andrew and Benjamin. They were diligent stewards of the land and animals, and cared for their extended family.
In 2008 they sold the farm and moved on to their next phase. Tragically, Duane suffered a serious brain hemorrhage and passed into heaven on December 9, 2011. Though she missed him dearly, as time passed, Kaye saw the hand of God in her life and realized he had another plan. God led Mark Schwalenberg to Trinity, and the rest was history. She and Mark were married on December 31, 2016. God blessed her with another best friend to enjoy the rest of her life with.
Kaye was diagnosed with ALS in December 2023, which she had likely been living with for two years prior. As her condition progressed, God provided her with a wonderful support system of family and friends that loved, cared and prayed throughout her journey with this horrible condition.
Kaye has now joined her beloved Duane, mom and dad, Duane’s mom Arline, Mark’s mom Nancy, siblings: Carl, John and Jane, and nephew Jeremy in heaven where she gets to be with Jesus and enjoy a good game of Sheepshead!
She will be remembered through her seven grandchildren: Isaiah, Abigail, Riker, Charlotte, Vivienne, David and Miles; her sons: Andy (Lori) Natzke and Ben (Renee) Natzke; Mark’s daughters: Lisa (David) Johnson and Anna (John) Puffett; Mark’s brother, Ryan (Julie) and their family; her siblings: Aaron and Kristine; brothers-in-law: Jeff and Ronnie; sister-in-law, Jean; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. However, her family wasn’t complete without her closest friends and the congregation at Trinity who meant more to her than words could express.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwarz presiding. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, and continue on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Burial will follow in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
In lieu of flowers, Kaye requested that donations be given to the ALS Association. Any gifts received, unless designated otherwise, will be given to them. She hopes to contribute to an eventual cure, www.als.org.
Thank you to all Kaye’s family, friends, ALS support group friends, the excellent care of St. Croix Hospice (especially Brenda and Alyssa), Dr. Andersen and the incredible staff at the ALS Clinic, Mayo Clinic, LaCrosse, and all who prayed through this journey.
