Audrey Herlache, 96, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on Jan. 12, 2026.
She was born Dec. 9, 1929, in Brussels to Harold and Evelyn (Gilson) Herlache. On April 7, 1951, she married Donald Herlache in Brussels; they enjoyed 69 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on July 22, 2020.
Audrey and Don farmed in Brussels for the first six years of married life. In 1957, they moved to Sturgeon Bay where they raised their family. In 1972, they established their own business, Herlache Small Engine. Audrey was an integral part of the business, providing support for Don as he sold and repaired small engines.
Audrey’s greatest pleasure in life was homemaking and raising her children. She was an amazing cook and baker. She was a constant source of love and encouragement to her family and always supportive of her children’s endeavors. Her love and care for children continued after her own children were grown, as she provided day care for her grandchildren and other children in the community for many years.
Audrey was a devout and active member of Corpus Christi Church where she volunteered in numerous capacities. She was also a den mother for local cub scouts. Audrey will always be remembered for her quiet, patient, positive and pleasant personality. She was a very content and happy person, grateful for all her blessings and for the opportunity to love and care for others. That was her joy.
She is survived by four children, Dan (Susie) Herlache, Deforest, WI, Bill (Vicky) Herlache, Sturgeon Bay, Bonnie (Dan) Bauer, Germantown, and David (Carrie) Herlache, Sturgeon Bay; daughter-in-law Dawn Herlache and former daughter-in-law Holly Herlache, both of Sturgeon Bay; 10 grandchildren, Bryan (Emma) Herlache, Kristin (Jordan) Dimmer, Katelyn (Austin) Wagner, Dustin (Lauren) Herlache, Jessica (Tim) Kenney, Kyle (Mikala) Herlache, Olivia Herlache, Samantha (Lenny) Kuspa, Cory (Will) East, and Alana (Nathan) Hadley; 23 great-grandchildren; in-laws, Kathy Herlache and Lorna Herlache. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Faye, son Tim, and sisters, Ellie (Fritz) LeRoy, Jacqueline (Wallace) Marin; and other in-laws.
Funeral services will be 11:30 am Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Corpus Christi Church with burial at Bayside Cemetery. Visitation will be at Forbes Funeral Home on Saturday from 9:30 am until 11:00 am.
