Mariette Lubbe Kurtenbach

Mariëtte Lubbe Kurtenbach passed away on December 6, 2022, at the age of 63, at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. She was born on April 13, 1959 in Gobabis, Namibia - the first child of Schalk and Biebie Lubbe. Mariëtte and her sisters grew up on a cattle farm, forming the holistic backbone of her character and guiding her love for adventure and outdoor living. She loved horse riding, poetry, playing card games with the family, and undertaking adventurous holidays. She travelled extensively and had a passion for people from various walks of life. She excelled at playing field hockey and held national colors for hockey in Namibia and provincial colors for hockey in South Africa. She also loved sailing and obtained her skipper's license as an adult, so she loved living close to water, whether it be an ocean or a lake. On October 21, 1994, she married Kenneth Kurtenbach and they had three children. Never one to shy away from any responsibilities, she was constructively involved in her society and she was respected and valued wherever she applied herself. She was a passionate, committed parent to her children, and often to various other children as well. She loved fiercely and she was the most loyal friend anybody could ask for! Mariëtte was fanatic about soccer and loved building puzzles and playing Wordle! She enjoyed watching old cowboy Western movies, and was an ardent Robert Fuller fan! She loved going to the theatre, doing calligraphy, and creating and enjoying any art. She was instrumental in forming a wine-tasting group, and known to appreciate a glass of good red wine after a long day's work. Her career saw her doing various stints as a teacher, both in Namibia and at the Spanish Immersion School in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She loved teaching and coaching, and she acted as Team Manager for various club soccer teams in which her children were playing. True to form, she collected donations for soccer uniforms for some of her children's team mates, and in doing so, she befriended many children, teachers, and parents along the way. She was an IT professional for many years, until the time of her passing, where she was known for her leadership, her analytical mind, and her ability to perform well under pressure. She was close to her team members and, just like with many other people that crossed her life, they became extended family. She was a member of the Methodist Church and lived a principled life, known for her integrity and her unwavering moral compass. Mariëtte touched the hearts of many people with her kindness, positive approach to life, and her generosity. She lived an authentic life and befittingly, she will be missed by everybody who ever had the privilege of knowing her, across a number of continents. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Kenneth Kurtenbach, and by her children Sean, Marc, and Sawyer. As the eldest daughter in a family of four sisters, Mariëtte is also survived by her sister Ansie Lubbe Prosser, along with her husband Willie Prosser, and their son Liam Prosser; her sister Bruni Lubbe; and her sister Leonie Lubbe, along with her husband Koos Augustyn, and their son Adrian Augustyn. Mariëtte is survived by an extended family in South Africa and Namibia, most notably her beloved aunt, Betteke Els. She is preceded in death by her parents, Schalk and Biebie Lubbe, of Gobabis, Namibia, as well as by her grandmother, Mietie Chapman, of Gobabis, and her maternal uncle, Casper Els, of Pretoria, South Africa. A funeral service is planned January 14, 2023 at 11am with visitation 10am at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church. To attend the funeral virtually please go to https://youtu.be/X8x1m0OprKo

Tributes

Mariette Lubbe Kurtenbach

April 13, 1959 - December 6, 2022

Tributes

Mariette Lubbe Kurtenbach

April 13, 1959 - December 6, 2022

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