Kathleen "Kathy" Larson

Kathleen “Kathy” A. Larson, of Wautoma, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.

Where to begin…

Summing up one’s life is no easy task, especially when that person is Kathy Larson. Some people come into our lives and are extraordinary and Kathy is one of those people.

Kathy married Larry Vande Berg in 1957 and together they raised 5 daughters. No easy task, but it was a faith based life filled with love, happiness and laughter. With 5 girls you can imagine there was a bit of shenanigans going on most of the time. The constant growing up was the love the family shared and the values instilled in each child.

In December of 1990 Kathy married Tom Larson, Kathy gaining yet another beautiful daughter, Megan Marie. And then there were 6!

Tom and Kathy just celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary. 30 years filled with a deep love and commitment for each other. Growing together in Christ and their faith. The close relationship and the bond they had for one another was evident by all who knew them. The mutual admiration they shared for the other was apparent in all they did together as husband and wife. A true Love Story. One held ever so dear in their hearts forever.

One of Kathy’s greatest joys was the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Playing a big role in each and every child’s life. Teaching kindness, respect, forgiveness and unconditional love. Kathy never thought twice about making the 4 hour round trip from Wautoma to Sheboygan to spend the day with one of the kids. There was no greater happiness than to watch her children grow up. Taking interest in every child, giving of her time selflessly and with love. Kathy’s love for Jesus Christ and the words “Let them see You in Me” was who she was and the way she lived her life. Jesus was eminent through Kathy, this child of God.

Kathy’s greatest wish was that every child knows Jesus Christ and form a relationship with Him. Kathy’s strong faith was the center of her being. Kathy was a member of St Joseph’s Catholic Parish and a strong presence in the church. Joining the Choir, she taught CCD, provided communion for the shut-ins and taking great pride in decorating the Church every Christmas.

Kathy had a gift the way she could transform any space. Whether large like the church or the beauty she brought to every room in her home. Kathy loved to decorate, from making crafts, to painting, sewing and working in her beautiful gardens. There was nothing she couldn’t do. Her love for life made it easy to see where her desire to bring beauty to all of her surroundings.

Kathy’s other passions included golf. Enjoying her time spent on the course in their ladies league, as well as joining Tom and couples golfing Bowling yet another hobby she enjoyed with her lady friends, “Babes with Balls” now that was quite the team of firecrackers. The connection Kathy had with her teammates and everyone she came in contact with was admirable and genuine. Kathy made everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room. Giving her undivided attention and respect to all. Kathy had a way of lighting up a room with her smile and gentle mannerisms towards people. Kathy didn’t have just one close friend, but many. Everyone we met would say Kathy is my dearest friend. She was truly loved by all, she was a blessing to everyone, and we will miss terribly.

Kathy and Tom were also avid Travelers. Enjoying trips from the East Coast to the West and everything in between. Alaska was one of their favorite memories. Their dear friends and traveling companions Don and Nanci Maes have shared so many special trips together. They would just get home from one and had two more already on the books. The adventures they took, the friends they made along the way were cherished times that meant the world to them. And believe me there was always a story to tell with lots of laughter.

So, to sum up a life, a life like no other is not an easy task.

God has taken Kathy home, until we meet again –our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Forever in our Hearts.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Abraham and father, Victor Balnaitis; her infant son, Steven Alan Vande Berg. Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Tom Larson; daughters, Julie (Mike) Radzicki, Lisa (Jerry) Geibel, Karen (Nels) Roe, Susan (Jeff) Milbrath, Christine (Greg) Phillips, Megan Schultz and Charlie Asman; grandchildren, Nathaniel Radzicki, Amanda Stekala and Brian Ayotte, Ben and Alicia Radzicki, Britany and Craig Buechel, Ryan and Nicki Geibel, Zach and Aimee Thiel, Sheenah and Chris Swoverland, Vanessa and Steve Brayton, Callie and Lailla Schultz, Carmen and Eric Thimmig, Abby Finley, Sam Phillips and Ashley, Jack Phillips; 21 great grandchildren; three sisters, Betty and Tom Repenshek, Susie and Mike Wandschneider, Vickie and Tom Siefert. Kathy is further survived other relatives and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Revs. William Evans and David Greskowiak officiating. Inurnment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Sheboygan.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Kathy’s memory for Alzheimer’s and Autism research.