Barbara M. Stolp

In Loving Memory of Barbara Marie (Rust) Stolp

Barbara Marie (Rust) Stolp, a cherished wife, devoted mother, beloved daughter, supportive sister, adored aunt, and loyal friend, left this world peacefully on February 28, 2024, surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life.

Born February 5, 1951, the eighth of eleven children to Robert and Elaine (Delmore) Rust, Barb grew up in a home filled with laughter and warmth. From an early age, she exhibited a natural talent for nurturing others, foreshadowing the incredible life she would lead as a loving wife and mother.

Barb met her soulmate, Ken Stolp, at age sixteen while they were students at Regis High School. They were married on July 22, 1972, and together they built a life centered around love, respect, and unwavering support. They were blessed with four children, who became the focal point of Barb's world. She always let them know they were loved “up to the sky.”

Barb showered her grandchildren with love and delighted in creating magical Christmas mornings and filling the family cabin on Island Lake with music and laughter.

Barb was steadfast in her loyalty to her parents and siblings. Her generous spirit and impeccable attention to detail made her a favorite host of family gatherings. As an aunt, Barb set the standard of what it meant to provide love to her nieces and nephews. Her infectious laughter and quick wit endeared her to the younger generation, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Together, Barb and Ken were proud to build a business in Stolp Limited Edition Auto serving multiple generations of customers, many of whom became good friends. Barb gave generously of herself to volunteer causes, serving as a leader of PTAs, school and sports booster clubs, and providing funeral luncheons at St. Patrick’s Parish where she was a life-long parishioner.

Barb lived life with grace, resilience, and unfaltering commitment to those she held dear. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable legacy she leaves behind—an enduring legacy of love, compassion, and a life well-lived.

Barb is survived by Ken, her husband of 52 years, her daughters Liz (Jamison) Garland of Madison, WI, and Katie (Erik) Keisler of Fall Creek, WI, her sons Robert (Joni) Stolp of Medford, WI, and Thomas (Maria Van Hoorn) Stolp of Shorewood, WI; Grandchildren Cameron Stolp-Simon, Connor Simon, Charlie and Cecile-Marie Garland, Louie Keisler, Joseph, Owen, and Caleb Stolp, and Rose and Willa Stolp. Barb is also survived by her sisters Joan (Jim) Stillman, Judy (Mark) Lenmark, and Kathy Prell, her brothers John (Linda), Tom, Steve (Paula), and Don (Paula) Rust. She is further survived by Bob (Lois) Stolp, Dianne Stolp, and Vivian Stolp, as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, and her own cousins.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elaine Rust. She is also preceded in death by Charlie and Agnes Stolp, Nancy and Jim Schrantz, Ruth Johnson, Jeanette Rust, Larry Prell, Mary and Ed Falkner, Chuck Stolp, Dave Stolp, Steve Stolp, Michael Prell, Amy Rust Zito, Tom Falkner, and Emily and Amanda Stolp.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 1:30pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 316 Fulton St., Eau Claire, WI with a Celebration of Life to follow at Wild Ridge, 3647 Kane Road, Eau Claire, WI from 2:45 to 7:00 pm with prepared remarks from the family at 4:30.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Eau Claire YMCA Camp Manitou, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Beaver Creek Reserve in Barb's honor.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. 

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.