Our mother, Barbara Ann (Pipek) Kulick, age 89, died peacefully on May 26, 2024, in her home in Anoka. Mom was born on June 26, 1934 to Czech immigrants. She grew up with English as her second language and no electricity, yet graduated valedictorian of Clarissa High School. Mom started college but left to marry her Lindy partner, Jerry, and become a dairy farmer. We marvel at the thought of her raising her first five babies while helping with the milking, feeding the chickens, doing her own sewing and baking, using a wringer washer, and still having the energy to go dancing every Saturday night. The folks left the farm and landed in Anoka with now six kids in tow. Mom always worked full-time (she was especially proud of her career at FMC/United Defense) but never missed her kids' school activities. At age 57 she went back to college (where she was reportedly class clown) and finished her degree. Mom had a wonderful capacity for fun, and passed that on to us. She loved being at the lake, babies, flowers, watching the birds, hot coffee in the morning and a good meal with dessert. Mom was predeceased by her parents and siblings, her best friend and daughter, Dianne, and her husband, Jerry. She is survived by her children Tom Kulick, Gail Kulick (Steve Eckhouse), Sheila Kulick Neist (Rollie), Jerome Kulick and John Kulick (Jill), grandchildren Tori, Nicole, Annette, Zoe, Jill, Hunter, Jay, Gavin, Graydon, Jeffrey and Owen, and six great-grandchildren. Because of the enormous love and Herculean efforts of Sheila, Jerome and Tori, Mom had the gift of living out her last days in her home, surrounded by the people who loved her. A private family service will be held at a later date. We welcome donations in Mom's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Published on June 2, 2024