Katherine Nease

Lake Mills/Waterloo - Katherine Marie Nease, age 88, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2011. Katherine was born in Fountain Creek, Illinois on May 18, 1923. She was the oldest daughter of Lucien Kuntz and Freida Stock. Katherine was united in marriage to Gerald Clinton Nease in Hoopeston Illinois on January 7, 1945. They celebrated 66 years of marriage and 50 years on their farm, rural Lake Mills, prior to Gerald's passing on March 9, 2011. Katherine and Gerald were a well-matched and successful farm team. In their retirement, they enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas. Active in the community, Katherine was a 4-H leader, a member of the Newville Homemakers and an energetic member of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Women. She served as a leader on church committees and was a supporter of the Lake Mills-Aztalan Historical Society. Katherine was known for her direct and open style, hospitality and thoughtfulness. She welcomed family and friends to her home, making incredible meals and desserts. She was also an accomplished seamstress making teddy bears and jewelry bags for many in the region. She was well-known for her skill in card games.

Katherine is survived by 3 daughters, Kay (Bill) Hause of Oregon, Barbara (Hap) Daus of Platteville, and Diane (Charlie) Flood of Verona; 5 grandchildren, Dawn Hause Kirchesh, Michelle Hause (Brian) Holland, Jeremy Daus, Peter (Julie) Flood, and Jacob Flood; 3 great grandchildren, Courtney, Brianna and Zachery; her sister Marguerite (Bill) Swan; her brother, Charlo (Gladys) Kuntz; and numerous nieces and nephews. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, and one brother.

A celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 307 W Madison St, Lake Mills, Wisconsin with the Rev Mark Yurs officiating. Friends may call at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the First Congregational Church, Lake Mills, or to the Lake Mills Food Pantry. Special thanks to all at Hyland Park, Fitchburg, and especially to Alice Gronseth and Diane Yuroff for their friendship and kindness.