Barbara Jane Traut (nee Stutzman), 89, of West Bend, WI, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, after a battle with Alzheimer's.

Barb was born on June 10, 1934 to Michael and Hilda Stutzman in Milwaukee, WI. Barbara attended St. Marcus Lutheran Church School and North Division High School, graduating in 1952. She met the love of her life, Eugene "Butch" Traut, during their sophomore year of high school.  Barb and Gene were married in Milwaukee, WI in 1954 and went on to have four children: Alan, Carolyn, Don, and Kathy.

Barb and Gene loved to dance, especially to a good polka, share laughs during card night with friends, and fellowship during Sunday night church bowling league. She was an active and devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving in multiple ministries and sang in the choir for most of her life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Hilda L. Smith (Roeming), her father Michael H. Stutzman, her brother Michael L. Stutzman, her step-father Ray Smith, and her daughter Kathleen M. Graham (Traut).  She is survived by her husband Eugene F. Traut, her children Alan R. Traut (Teresa), Donald J. Traut (Mary), Carolyn S. Byrd (Mike), and her grandchildren: Austin R. Traut, Matthias W. Byrd, Emma S. Traut (Sean Kovanda), Sara L. Byrd, Ryan M. Traut (Elizabeth Bartoszewski), and Megan L. Traut (Kyle Larson).

Services will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church 4860 Arthur Rd, Slinger, WI 53086 on Thursday December 21, 2023.  Visitation will begin at 10am followed by the service at 11am.  A light lunch will be served at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.