Barbara Jean Leitzke

Barbara Jean Leitzke, age 64, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Saturday, October 18, 2025. She was born in Racine, December 31, 1960, daughter of Kenneth and Diane (Nee: Aiello) Thunhorst.

Barbara was a graduate of Washington Park High School, “Class of 1978”. Barbara owned and operated Curlz Salon. Her expertise in cosmetology led to her involvement in many pageant systems including the Miss America organization. She was active in local, state, and national levels where she consulted, coached, and mentored so many beautiful, young women. She was an avid Brewers fan but will be remembered most for her huge heart, good nature, strong faith, and willingness to help anyone in need. Above all, it was time spent with her family and grandchildren that she cherished most.

She will be sadly missed by her fiancé, David J. Paczkowski, children, Mark Leitzke, Mat (Nicole) Leitzke, Mitch (Laurel) Leitzke; 14 grandchildren, Brandy, Anneliese, Kolten, Ruthie, Chloe, Finley, Callen, Paxton, Aiden, Emily, Autumn, Peter, Patrick, and Isaiah; parents, Kenneth and Diane Thunhorst; sibling, Phil (Peggy) Thunhorst; niece and nephew, Ryan (Andrea) Thunhorst, Alyssa (Scott) Thunhorst; among other relatives and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Rose Aiello and Chet and Verna Thunhorst.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 11:30 am, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Ave. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation, Wednesday at 9:30 am until time of Mass at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s and Versiti for their loving and compassionate care.