Our beloved Mom and Mimi, Kathleen Yvonne Manders, was lifted up to the Lord on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after a short illness. She was 87 years old, born on July 2, 1938.

Kathy was the heart of our home and family. Almost everyone called her Mimi, even Dad and her children. She was married for 65 years to her beloved husband, Bob and together, they raised three children: Robert, II (RJ), Kay, and Beth. It was a happy home where she taught and embodied one of life's most important lessons, "Unconditional Love."

She was an adored Mimi to her grandchildren, Sydney (Justin), Jordan, Robert, III, Payton, Karina, Aidan, and Bryce, and also a blessed Mimi to her great-grandchildren, Carter, Jameson, and Eleanor.  

Kathy was the middle of three children born to Anthony and Viola Stachowiak in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her older sister Carol (husband Nick) and younger brother, Thomas. 

Throughout her life, she was actively involved in attending sporting events, awards banquets, and performances involving her children and grandchildren.

If it involved the family, she was there. Her grandson Robert affectionately gave her the title of "G.O.A.T.," the Greatest of All Time.  

Our Mimi was quick with a smile, always a helping hand, loved to laugh, and had a sharp wit. She was resilient, tougher than most, and deeply devoted to her family.

Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support will remain with her family forever. 

Kathy graduated from Pulaski High School in 1956. Married Robert John Manders on June 3, 1961.

During her children’s early years, she actively volunteered at Parkway school, making sure the rowdy kids were behaving.

She worked in medical billing for 20+ years working mostly with anesthesiologists, and she was the fastest typer that anyone could imagine. 

She was Secretary of Glendale Little League while our father was President. They were part of a large volunteer network that organized, ran and continually developed the baseball diamonds that started out as overgrown and rocky fields. Of course, Mimi spearheaded getting all the moms involved with the newly built concession stands so that the kids and the spectators had refreshments.

She and Dad were very active in the Jaycees and Jaycettes where they made a lot of lifelong friends. 

Kathy was involved with her son in Webelos and Boy Scouts and her girls in Brownies and Girl Scouts. 

Kathy and Bob were each Green Bay Packers shareholders and season ticket holders. Mimi was one of their most enthusiastic Packer fans for more than 60 years. Before entering into eternal life, she faithfully watched and followed the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, and even some Badgers games. Throughout her life she was an avid bowler and proud president and secretary of her bowling league at Echo Bowl.  She was always towards the top of the league in bowling average and high score with a 168-189 average during her bowling career. 

She was a legendary baker and cook. She was responsible for not only being a major contributor to the voluminous amount of recipes In the famous "Hayes Gals Goodies" recipe book

but also printed all the books. Most of all, she always looked forward to preparing wonderful meals and baked goods for family gatherings and celebrations.

She didn’t like shopping but did enjoy preparing and buying treats for all of the grandkids.  She was always handing out goodies when the grandkids were around.

Mimi was a spectacular gift giver at Christmas and Birthdays, following her Mom's (Nana's) tradition, always creating smiles and laughter of some of the unique items she selected for each of them. Kathy organized and ran many banquets and gatherings over the years where her famous Crazy Fudge Cake was most often included. And if it was a family event, there was always her much loved Black Cherry Jello along with our Nana’s Green Pineapple Jello. 

Kathy's strong faith, enduring love, and devotion to her family will be dearly missed and forever remembered. 

Visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226, on Thursday, July 2, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. with Services to follow.