Kathleen Nowacki, age 81, of Baraboo, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Tivoli Assisted Living in Portage with family by her side.
Kathleen was born to Donald and Florence (Stieber) McGrath on January 15, 1944 in Milwaukee. She graduated from Custer High School. She worked as a secretary in insurance for over 40 years. She was united in marriage to Ronald Nowacki on January 20, 1990 in Waukesha. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Kathy was an Elvis enthusiast. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, musicals and animals, especially black labs. She loved warm weather and spending time outdoors, including taking daily walks, cruises and spending time on the beach. Kathy loved entertaining and traditions. She loved cooking, decorating for each holiday, and spending time with her family. But, spoiling her grandchildren is what she lived for.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Ronald; children, Michelle (Mark) Wolfe of Portage and Bill (Donna) Stock of Boerne, TX; grandchildren, Danielle (Andrew) Etheridge of Baraboo, Kaylee (Caleb) Latham of Lodi, Morgan Stock of Boerne, TX and Easton Stock of Boerne, TX; sister, Patricia (Mike) Hoppe of Menomonee Falls; brother, Mike McGrath of Waukesha; other relatives and dear friends.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Edward McGrath.
A Prayer Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Father Piotr Janas presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Aspirus Tivoli Assisted Living, Mother Mary unit, for their devoted attention, care and compassionate support for Kathleen.
Tracy (Matt) whitaker April 28, 2025
Family friend Hartford , Wisconsin
She was truly an amazing person inside and out and will be greatly missed!!! My condolences to all of her family!!!
Harold and Cydni Manning April 28, 2025
Friend Temple , Texas
Harold and I are thinking of you as you celebrate Kathy's beautiful life. She will live on in our hearts.
Robert Searl April 28, 2025
Work Friend Waterford , Wisconsin
Kathy was a great person to work with with a good sense of humor. God Bless he soul. Only the best for her family. ROBERT SEARL
Roxy April 28, 2025
RA @Tivioli Montello , Wisconsin
RIP Kathy. You will be missed at Tivoli.
Hanna Truskowski April 29, 2025
Care giver Portage , Wisconsin
Mis Kathy was a delight to have here, and I enjoyed coming to work and seeing her face. She made me laugh. And we miss her here at Tivoli. May she rest in peace.
Stephany Hepler April 29, 2025
Cna Montello , Wisconsin
I have been a cna for 13 years. I was in an accident in December of 2023, and as of recently was able to return to work. Kathy won my heart instantly. I will forever love her and miss her deeply. She loved her two kids and her husband and family very much. I could tell. She had a beautiful soul and heart of Gold. I will miss her very much. Love you Kathy my love and I'll see you again
Gary E Kayser April 30, 2025
Former coworker and friend Bristow , Virginia
To Ron, Michelle, and the all of Kathy's Family and closest friends, Kathy graciously agreed to be my youngest son's (Aric's) Godmother. It wasn't a superficial ceremonial gesture, or an offer made from a half-hearted sense of obligation. She was genuinely honored to be asked and warmly embraced the sacramental rite and what it meant to Aric, and our family, spiritually. As Aric was growing up, Kathy remembered his birthdays. She didn't have to, but she did - it's just one of the many things she was and did. For me, personally, I still hear her warm laugh when I walked into our insurance office's door in the morning and asked her, "Well, Kathleen, how is every little thing with you?" It was a daily ritual that went on for as long as we worked together, and the best part of my work day. She could transcribe a dictation tape with blazing speed and faster than I could speak the words. I am sure you all have you own stories to share, laughs to exchange, and tears to shed. Please know Susan and I are with you in the joy of celebrating Kathy's life and sorrow of feeling her loss. With abiding respect and friendship, Gary and Susan Kayser
Gary E Kayser April 30, 2025
Former coworker and friend Bristow , Virginia
To Ron, Michelle, and the all of Kathy's Family and closest friends, Kathy graciously agreed to be my youngest son's (Aric's) Godmother. It wasn't a superficial ceremonial gesture, or an offer made from a half-hearted sense of obligation. She was genuinely honored to be asked and warmly embraced the sacramental rite and what it meant to Aric, and our family, spiritually. As Aric was growing up, Kathy remembered his birthdays. She didn't have to, but she did - it's just one of the many things she was and did. For me, personally, I still hear her warm laugh when I walked into our insurance office's door in the morning and asked her, "Well, Kathleen, how is every little thing with you?" It was a daily ritual that went on for as long as we worked together, and the best part of my work day. She could transcribe a dictation tape with blazing speed and faster than I could speak the words. I am sure you all have your own stories to share, laughs to exchange, and tears to shed. Please know Susan and I are with you in the joy of celebrating Kathy's life and sorrow of feeling her loss. With abiding respect and friendship, Gary and Susan Kayser
Wendy April 30, 2025
Friend North Freedom , Wisconsin
Blessed to have met her. What a great lady!
Caryl and Nola Wenzel May 04, 2025
cousin Lake in the Hills , Illinois
So sad to hear that Kathy lost her battle in life. She always had a bright smile when we would see her at some family event. May she rest in peace. Out sympathies to Ron and the extended family.