Barbara J. Kautzman

Barbara J. Kautzman, Indianapolis, passed away July 21, 2016. Born March 24, 1926 to George and Nell Seeger, she graduated from Southport High School and Butler University, cum laude in 1947. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Mortar Board, and was chosen as Butler’s Prom Queen in 1946. Barb married her college sweetheart, Fred Kautzman, in 1947.

She was an avid member of Nora Belles Garden Club and was blessed with exceptional flower arrangement talents, winning Best of Show at the Indiana State Fair. Barb also loved antiques and often bored her children with the lineage of several treasures handed down from her mother and great-aunts. A long-time member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church, she was also a member of Sunnyside Guild where she volunteered for many years at Wishard Hospital. To make sure she didn’t get left behind by her husband and kids, she took up golf and was a Woodland County Club Ladies Nine-Hole Champion.

But by far her greatest passion was her devotion to her family. She once wrote that her greatest accomplishment and joy was her dear children and the love of her husband. She truly loved being the ultimate mom. She served as a cub scout den mother, perennial Little League bleacher mom, and piano lesson chauffeur. She was a tireless advocate for each of the boys – deftly helping them master projects ranging from plaster of Paris creations to the nuances of English literature. Barb was an unsurpassed family trip organizer, leading us on countless adventures (from her beloved Jupiter, Florida to Colorado, South Dakota and beyond) and cruises with her cherished grandchildren. She read poems for inspiration and pleasure; mysteries for escape; and loved how her heart would sing when listening to good music.

She was the loving mother of three boys, Steven (Linda), Richard (Michelle), and John (Kit). She was also the very proud grandmother of two – Alexandra (Tyler) and Christian.

Barb lived life to the fullest and loved her family and friends. The perfect combination of strong-willed yet gracious and assertive yet kind. A vibrant and vivacious very special woman. There could be no better wife and mother. She will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner and Buchanan – Broad Ripple. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26th immediately followed by the funeral service. Burial will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Barbara to the Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the donor’s favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be posted at www.flannerbuchanan.com.