Kathryne Sather

Kathryne Elaine Sather, 91, died peacefully in her home on July 30th, 2022 with her son Dave by her side, holding her hand. Kay was born on August 28th, 1930 in Reedsburg WI to Fred and Lavita Haugh. She grew up with her older brother Gene and younger brother Dave.

As a girl, Kay was a voracious reader, preferring historical fiction. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and play the piano. She often sang as a duo with Gene. Kay was extremely active in high school, involved in orchestra, choir, forensics, debate, golf, and as yearbook editor.

She attended Edgewood College in Madison, and her strong involvement continued which included Honor Society President, Student Government Vice-President, Yearbook Editor, Choir, Glee Club, Broadcast, Speech/Radio Play and was crowned May Queen. She received her degree in education in 1952 and enjoyed teaching grades 4 through 6 from 1952 to 1963 in Columbus, Janesville, Monona and Cottage Grove WI, and a year in Whittier, CA.

Kay met her husband Bill in September of 1958 at a mutual friend's home, spending the afternoon singing songs and playing records. They liked each other immediately, though when asked what she initially thought of him, Kay replied "He's very interesting, but I don't know if I could take a steady diet of him!" Bill felt otherwise and first proposed a few weeks after they met. Kay remembered saying "I'll have to think about it." They were married seven months later in April of 1959 and went on to have five children (Mary, Barbara, Thomas, Carol and David).

Kay and Bill formed close, lifelong friendships during their time spent at St. Paul's Chapel on the UW campus. Both very fervent and involved members of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, they attended mass daily for many years. They sang in the choir at Sunday Mass and later the funeral choir.

As Kay became a busy mother, she left teaching to put all her energy into her own children. She was on the phone daily with her friend Helen, as they supported one another through the ups and downs of raising their kids.

As her children got older, Kay began working part time at Glenway Pharmacy. She liked interacting with all the people that would come in for prescriptions and enjoyed going out on deliveries. She loved to cook and bake, hosting countless cookouts, brunches and holidays over the years. Her lasagna and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were raved about!

Kay's family was very active and they enjoyed getting together every weekend year round with their large circle of friends. Picnics and campfires, swimming and hiking, skating and sledding were all the norm. They shared a converted school bus with the Culver family and enjoyed many years of camping trips throughout Wisconsin and other parts of the country. The pinnacle of Kay and Bill's adventures was their trip to Europe in 1998.

In 2001 Bill suffered a spinal cord injury that greatly limited his mobility. Their lives changed dramatically and Kay became Bill’s primary caregiver. Despite this, they continued to travel, visit timeshares and enjoy life.

So much of Kay’s life was in service to her family. In addition to caring for Bill and being a dedicated, loving mother, she took a year off of teaching to care for Gene’s young son when his wife was ill with cancer, and was her mother’s caregiver in her final years.

Kay was universally loved for her sweet disposition, her kindness and selfless service to others. She will be greatly missed by all.

Kay is survived by her children Mary (Larry) Mulenburg, Barb, Carol and Dave, plus 8 grandkids and 5 great grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, husband Bill and her son Tom.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 401 S. Owen Dr . on Wed. August 10th at 11:00. Doors will be open at 10:00 for visitation. Burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 2705 Regent St . will follow the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Catholic Multicultural Center ( cmcmadison.org ) or other charity.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service Speedway

608-238-3434