Kathryn Christensen

Madison/Oregon - Kathryn Ann Christensen, age 81, went on to her next organizing campaign on Friday, November 4, 2016. She was born on October 8, 1935 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the daughter of Edward and Charlotte (Hansen) Christensen.

Kathryn graduated high school from St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay and then went on to graduate from St. Norbert's College and the Milwaukee County School of Nursing. She earned her master's degree in public health from the University of Minnesota. Over the years, Kathryn lived in Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, Il, Mississippi, New York and Madison. Kathryn was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Madison and was a member of the SEIU Retirees in Wisconsin and New York. A noteworthy event was her candidacy for Wisconsin Governor in the 1980's. She had the best showing of a female gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin history at that time. As a Labor-Farm candidate, she placed third out of the five candidates and received over 10,000 votes.

Kathryn had a passion for being a public health nurse, a midwife, Union organizer, nurse clinician, teacher (or educator) and was an avid Packer fan. In addition, she enjoyed art, music, politics, scrapbooking, making cards, reading, using computers and watching old movies. She dearly cherished her babies; who were rescued dogs and cats. Many were exotic breeds.

Kathy was hired as an RN at a giant nursing home is Syosset Long Island, NY. The day she finished her probation (she had, at that time, no connection to 1199 National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees) she approached the organizer for the other workers (Stan Israel) and said, "I am off probation, so when are we going to organize the f***ing place?" She is remembered by Eddy Kay - her mentor and later, her boss, as she organized and represented service workers in the Hospital Division of 1199. "I loved her, respected her deeply; perhaps more than she ever knew. I am privileged to have known her, worked with her, and learned from her. She had no fear, no hesitation and was smart, courageous, and always on the side of workers and progress."

Her work in New York illustrated that Kathy was a tower of strength to many. When you needed a person of integrity - she was it. When you needed a person, who backed the abused - she was there. When you needed a person to organize against a nasty boss - she was there. When you needed a Professional Nurse - she was always there. After United Professionals for Quality Health Care affiliated with 1199 - we were fortunate to have Kathy return to Wisconsin to assist our Union. Kathy went on to organize new heath care workers, negotiate contracts, served as Treasurer of the Union, delegate to the Labor Council and mentored many people in the Labor and progressive community.

She is survived by her brother; Thomas (Joanna) Christensen of Green Bay, nephews Curt and Christopher, and nieces Paula and Kim, 3 grand nephews and 2 grand nieces, and Frances' children, Terry, Barbara, and Kelly, and numerous cousins.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents Charlotte (Hansen) and Edward Christensen and her sister Frances Elles.

A Celebration of her life will be held at CRESS FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE, 3325 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704 on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:00 am with Father Michael Radowicz and Pastor Mary Kay Baum officiating. A time to gather will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 9:00 am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Kathryn to BMO Bank, Attn: Kathy's Wishes, 4726 East Towne Blvd., Madison, WI 53704. This fund was established to represent her wish for peace, equality and unity, with the intention for the proceeds to be given to a dear friend with MS.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Oregon Manor Nursing Home, Assisted Living and to Agrace Hospice for all their care and compassion given to Kathy throughout her final days.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 East Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666