Kathleen was welcomed into eternal life on April 29 at the age of 85, with her children at her side. She was the cherished mother of Mary (Joseph) Przybylski, Michael (Deb Galle) Wodushek, and Katie (Douglas) Coenen. Proud grandmother of Joshua (Ellen & Noah) Przybylski, Emily (Peter) Peterson, Abigail (Zachary) Przybylski, Robert Wodushek, Jennifer (Jamie Krusa) Wodushek, Blake (Alexa) Brawner, Drew (Tom Tourdot) Brawner, Alex Wodushek, Jacob Wodushek, and Hailey Wodushek. Doting great-grandmother to Peregrin, Juniper Jo, Svea, Phoebe, Sorrel, Carl, Maggie, Millie, and Tillie. She is further survived by her sister Mary Ann Highline, and many dear, life-long friends, and relatives. Kathleen was preceded in death by Robert, her loving and devoted husband of 58 years, and her son Joseph, as well as her parents, Alex and Mary Klose, and her brothers John and James Klose.
Kathy grew up in Milwaukee, and attended Messmer High School. She was just fifteen years old when she met Bob, and he fell hard for her Irish beauty and sweet disposition. Married in 1959, they built a home and a life in Menomonee Falls. Kathy raised their four children with love and laughter and a steady hand. She was the mom who always had a creative treat waiting after school; who led the Scout Troop, and somehow made rainy camping trips with “The Group” an adventure; she was a patient listener, and was always her kids’ biggest cheerleader. Over the years, Bob and Kathy’s home was a refuge for many friends and family in need of a place to find their footing and call home for a while. This was especially true for their niece and nephew, Betsy and Johnny, who lived with them for two years after the untimely death of their mother. They forever held a dear and special place in Kathy’s heart.
Raised in the family floral business, Kathy was well prepared to take over Klose Flowers on 19th and Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee when her parents’ failing health left them unable to manage in 1983. She successfully ran the shop on the Marquette University campus for 18 years, and then gave a happy sigh of relief every Valentine’s Day after the shop was sold.
For the next chapter of her life, Kathy served as the volunteer director of the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry from 2001-2017. She shepherded the organization from a cramped, single classroom operation serving 95 families, to the spacious new facility it now occupies. At the time of her retirement, the Pantry was serving well over 600 families. Most clients she knew by name, and all were welcomed with warmth and dignity.
As an avid nature lover and gardener, Kathy took her strength from the lessons of nature and learned to “bloom where she was planted.” Her lush patio garden was the envy of the Wildwood Apartment complex. A devout, life-long Catholic, a gifted oil painter, a dedicated walker and fitness enthusiast, a lover of books, a curious learner; Kathleen’s life was rich and full. Above all, she loved her faith, her family, and her dear circle of friends. Her warmth, kindness, loyalty, steely resolve, and spirited sense of humor touched all who knew her, and she will continue to make the world a sweeter place as we hold her, always, in our hearts.
Visitation for Kathleen will be on Friday, May 8 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, N74W13604 Appleton Avenue in Menomonee Falls, from 9:00am until eulogies are shared at 10:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am, with burial immediately afterward at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. All are warmly invited to the luncheon to follow.
