A. Kathryn Knick

Knick, A. Kathryn   Madison -- (Agnes) Kathryn ""Kay"" Knick (Cleary), age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at the Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg.   She was born after her twin sister on September 1, 1920, at her parents farm in the Town of Moscow, Wisconsin (near Blanchardville) to Thomas L. and Mary Katherine (Hazelton) Cleary. Kay graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1939, then went on to study business at Browns College of Commerce in Freeport, Illinois, graduating in November 1940. Kay held office jobs for several companies in northern Illinois and Madison before she began working in 1953 for the Rennebohm Drug Store chain (eventually purchased by Walgreens), where she worked in numerous capacities ultimately becoming the district office manager and completing 39 years of service. After retirement from Walgreens, she worked in the gift shop at the Cracker Barrel, where she enjoyed setting up and arranging product displays, and quickly became a favorite of both fellow employees and regular customers. Kay met Don Knick on a blind date in 1944 and they were married on April 21, 1945, at St. Raphael's Cathedral in downtown Madison. Together they enjoyed traveling to big band and Dixieland jazz concerts, dancing, camping and spending time with family and friends. Kay enjoyed her daily walks, reading, and was famous for her scrumptious baked goodies. Kay is survived by her dear twin sister (Anna) Kathleen Bogus of Las Vegas, NM; two daughters, Sue (Randy) Peterson of Dodgeville, and Candy Knick (Ruben Simsiman) of Madison; and four sons, Mike (Bette) Knick of Menomonee Falls, Bill (Jana) Knick of Milton, special son Patrick Knick of Madison, and Sean Knick (Nici Hemmy) of Madison. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Kristine (Frank) Reed, Missy (Todd) Osborne, Josh Kiesling, Katy (Andy) Pavlik, Tim Knick, Ryan Knick and Dan Knick; and four great grandchildren, Antonio, Devin, and Kathryn Reed, and Halle Kiesling. Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald (Bud) J. Knick, who passed away on April 15, 1994; three brothers, John (Jack), Jim, Maurice; two sisters, Gert, and Marie; and her parents, Tom and Katherine Cleary. The family would like to thank everyone who helped support and care for her in her final years especially; Dr. Eric Hilquist and team at Dean West; the entire staff at All Saints Assisted Living and Memory Care; Carla, Chris, Carol, Robyn, Amy, Colleen, C.C., Sarah, Kelly, Brianna, Sue, Jan, Kelly, Pam and Vicki; and the compassionate staff at the Hospice Care Center in Fitchburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15, 2009, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHRUCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., at 11:00 am with Father Todd VanNatta officiating. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., on Thursday, May 14, 2009, from 4:00 -- 7:00 pm, and then on Friday at the church from 10:00am until the time of Mass. A private family burial will be planned for a later date.