Jane Marie Kebbekus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, matriarch, sister, and homemaker, died peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 102. 

Jane grew up on her parents’ dairy farm near North Cape, Wisconsin. The daughter of Arthur (Art) and Inez Sorenson, she learned early the meaning of hard work, family, and community. She later worked as a beautician while supporting her husband, Robert “Bud” Kebbekus, through medical school at UW Madison.

After Bud’s graduation, Jane devoted herself to creating a loving home for Bud and their five boys. She had her hands full with a large and active family—cooking, cleaning, managing the family calendar, keeping the finances in order, creating memorable holiday gatherings and somehow making it all work. But more than anything, Jane created a home where everyone felt welcome.

The Kebbekus home was rarely quiet and was often filled with children, teenagers, and later young adults who were friends of the boys. Jane welcomed everyone with open arms and was always quick to set another place at the dinner table. Friends whose families lived far away were welcomed into the Kebbekus home for holidays and Christmas. On one spring break in Florida, all five boys happened to have friends visiting on the same night. Jane and Bud welcomed them all, resulting in 15 to 20 additional “children” sleeping on the floor of their motel room. It was typical of Jane: there was always room for one more.

Bud was fascinated by new gadgets and technology, but Jane was usually the one who figured out how to make them work. She was practical, capable, curious, and always willing to take on whatever needed to be done.

Jane played tennis in the summer and kept active in the winter curling in women’s and mixed leagues and bonspiels at the Wauwatosa Curling Club. She was a long time, devoted member of First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa.

When the boys married she folded each new daughter-in-law into her loving arms and made them feel at home.

When Bud retired they began a new chapter together, traveling the world by plane, car, boat, and even hot-air balloon. Many of their adventures were shared with dear friends, including the Zentners, Pflughoefts, Albees and  Mehrings. These travels created memories that Jane treasured throughout her life.

Jane’s greatest legacy, however, was the family and community she built around her. She made people feel cared for, included, and at home. Her generosity, warmth, and devotion to her family will continue through the generations.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire staff of Elaine’s Hope Memory Care Assisted Living and Harwood Place for the loving care, kindness, and support they provided to Jane and her family. 

Jane is survived by her five sons: Greg (Leslie), Gary (Cathy), Marc (Cookie), David (Mary), and Robert (Marilyn); her grandchildren Matthew (Lauren), Michael (Tiana), Beth, Brian (Noah), Sean, Jordan (Tabetha), Kristen (Liam), and Robert(Laney); and her great-grandchildren Soren, Mira, Max, Nolan, Atley, and Robert Brooks.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bud” Kebbekus; her brother, Glen Sorenson; and her parents, Arthur and Inez Sorenson.

A private viewing for immediate family will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, followed by a brief graveside service. A memorial service and celebration of Jane’s life will be held on September 29th at First Congregational Church of Wauwatosa 1511 Church St, Wauwatosa. Visitation at 1pm with memorial service at 2pm followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to First Congregational Church or Elaine’s Hope Memory Care Assisted Living in Wauwatosa WI