Kathleen "Kathy" Berkseth

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Kathleen “Kathy” Berkseth, age 68, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2020 at UW Hospital in Madison.

Kathleen Jean Lange was born on May 12,1952 in Burlington, Wisconsin to Marvin and Clara (Greil) Lange.  She graduated from Waterford Union High School in 1970 and attended the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1974.

Kathy married Gregory (Greg) Berkseth on October 16, 1982; they were married for 38 years and had two daughters, Kali and Kelsey.  Kathy was always very proud of her daughters and now also her granddaughters, Maja and Sofia.  Her granddaughters brought her much joy, and she loved caring for them and ensuring that they loved the badgers as much as she did.

Kathy worked at Central Colony, Mendota Mental Health Institute, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison until her retirement in 2011.  During retirement, Kathy worked as a crossing guard and thoroughly enjoyed all the children and families she met.  She was then promoted to “grandma” and spent much of her time looking after her granddaughters, taking them to the library and on adventures around the area.  Kathy was an avid badger fan and was a long-time season ticket holder for men’s basketball and women’s ice hockey.  Kathy enjoyed traveling, going to concerts with her husband, people watching, checking out local restaurants, and attending the annual UW varsity band concert.

Kathy is survived by her husband Greg; children Kali (Scott) Lenz and Kelsey (Nino) Dzanic; and granddaughters, Maja and Sofia Dzanic.  She is further survived by her brothers, Jim (Amy) Lange and Tim (Julie) Lange, and many other relatives and dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Clara Lange and her in-laws, Oscar and Celia Berkseth.

Private services will be held.  For those not joining in person, please join via the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84475422838.beginning on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 1:00 PM.   A celebration of life is planned for a later date when it is hoped that a large in-person celebration with lots of hugging can take place.

Memorials are appreciated to the American Stroke Association. (https://www.stroke.org).