Kurt O. Stonesifer, was born Oct. 2, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, and died Aug. 6, 2026, at home surrounded by love in Luck, Wisconsin, of glioblastoma.
Kurt is survived by his beloved wife, Barb Stonesifer; his daughter, Laura and husband, Shane Magee; his sons, Mike and wife, Molly Stonesifer, and Jake and wife, Chelsey Stonesifer; and his exuberant grandchildren, Grant, Zoë, Finnigan, Roman, Mya, Mickey, Dane, Holton, and Ava. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Stonesifer; his sister, Margo and husband, Darrell Sandeen; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and friends.
After high school in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Kurt served his country in the United States Army, then studied social work and sociology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he also wrestled. He worked as a juvenile probation officer for Polk County for most of his career while also teaching middle school social studies and emotional and behavioral disabilities at Unity for a few years. He enjoyed working with youth and always took an interest in others and their problems.
He was a proud Eagle Scout and loved helping others by volunteering his time. Kurt’s time with Kinship, Habitat for Humanity, Interfaith Caregivers, and Luck Lions meant a lot to him. He served as president of Kinship, sat on the Habitat for Humanity board, and gave of his time to the Luck School Board and the Luck Lions Club, where he served as president until recently. Over the years, Kurt coached T-ball, wrestling, and youth basketball, and for some twenty years, he ran the youth wrestling program in Luck.
Kurt and Barb met at their cabins on Silver Lake as teenagers. Years later, while hiking the Appalachian Trail, Kurt realized he had something more important to do than finish the trail. He left the trail early to ask Barb Baker out. Their story began and has evolved beautifully since.
Kurt’s favorite thing in the world was spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids, to whom he was lovingly known as “Gramps.” He loved camping, road trips, and adventure, telling riveting stories of hitchhiking all over the country in his youth. He had a strong work ethic that carried through everything he did, from cutting firewood, to flipping houses, and helping others. He very loudly cheered his kids and then grandkids on at their sports and activities. He loved music, even though he was a terrible singer, especially listening to Bruce Springsteen and Roy Orbison. He was kind, caring, and fun, with a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He loved learning, reading (especially the National Geographic) and debating politics. He also enjoyed the occasional beer and cigar. Kurt was a strong, forward-thinking, resilient man who will be greatly missed.
A huge thank you to Kurt’s St. Croix Hospice caregivers and his team at Regions Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to your favorite charity.
A celebration of Kurt’s life will take place at West Denmark Parish Hall, Luck, on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Supper will be served following the gathering. Please join us.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444.
