Martha Boerst Kulhavy

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, our beloved Mother left us for her new life/adventure.
She was born to Albert H. Boerst and Anna Krause Boerst in the Town of Hartland, Shawano County Wisconsin on October 9, 1922. She was confirmed in the United Brethren Church, now Zion United Methodist Church, in Bonduel. She attended a one-room school until high school where she graduated from Shawano High School. From there she attended Business College in Green Bay, learning everything needed to manage an efficient office.

On January 1947 she married John Phillip Kulhavy and moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where her first daughter, Mary was born in November. They also lived in Moscow, Idaho. On returning to Wisconsin the small family lived on the farm in Bonduel until moving to Appleton, where the family grew, adding two more daughters, Ruth and Elizabeth.

When the family moved to Appleton they joined the First Methodist Church, now the First United Methodist Church. Martha was devoted to serving her church wherever needed, including driving people when needed and reading to the blind and Stephen’s Ministry. She became the Church Secretary, a position she held for 28 years.

Martha was an enthusiastic traveler both in the United States, Central America, Europe and Asia. Wherever she traveled she met new friends and had many adventures including participating in a Hindu Funeral, with Funeral Pyre in Bali. Other countries visited included Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, multiple trips to Europe including Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria and Ireland. She traveled with both friends and family. At age 60 Martha took horseback riding lessons so she could ride in the Rocky Mountains with her daughter, Ruth and granddaughter, Jennifer. At age 90 Martha and two daughters went to Belize and Martha was the oldest person to stay at the Macaw Jungle Resort.

Martha has been a lifelong, avid reader studying spiritual, historical, and both fiction and non-fiction authors. Even after she lost her sight she kept reading, using Wisconsin Talking Books. Each morning and afternoon she listened to another book. She never lost her zeal for learning and visiting friends. At 100 years old she still remembered everyone and their families; always interested in learning what each family member was currently doing. Shortly before her death she was asking about a friend’s grandchildren.

As a young child growing up on their farm Martha developed her love of animals. Never was there an animal she didn’t like. She gave a loving home to “Pauper” a special needs dog, and “Millie”, a senior cat.

Martha’s husband, John Phillip Kulhavy, preceded her in death on October 11, 1979.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Allen (Charles), Ruth Campbell (Gordon), Liz Kulhavy (Ted), and two granddaughters Jennifer Allen (Bart) and Sarah Mahloch (Shawn).

There will be a memorial service to celebrate the life of of Martha on Saturday November 5, 2022, at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, 325 E Franklin Street, Appleton.  Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the start of the service.

We wish to express a special thank you to our neighbors and friends for all their support and care.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church Appleton or any animal rescue organizarion of your choice.