A lifetime resident, Cathy was born in Racine on February 1, 1951, to the late Charles and Catherine E. (nee: Bentley) Smetana. She attended St. Edward’s Grade School, graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in 1969. On April 25, 1970, in St. Edward Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Ronald J. Klinkhammer. Tragically, Ron died unexpectedly of a heart attack this past January, 29, 2008.For a period of time, she was employed by Color Arts. However, Cathy proudly chose her life’s work to be a devoted homemaker, a career she completely excelled at. Being a Mom and a Grandma meant everything in the world to her. When diagnosed with Stage 4-ovarian cancer in early 1998, she was the rock of the family, in a very scary situation, and comforted her children with a promise that she would fight with all her might. Cathy had incredible strength and totally amazed her family and friends with an extremely positive attitude, even with the numerous rounds of chemotherapy that she received.
Cathy enjoyed crafts, especially quilting, sewing, crocheting and creating beautiful stained glass with her husband; tending to her flowers in her garden; and spending time on her computer. Above all, she loved and cherished being with her entire family.
Surviving are her children, Eric (Tammy) Klinkhammer of Kenosha; Kevin (Tracy) Klinkhammer of Racine; Cathy Ann (Kirk) Hauptmann and Heather (Tony) Aust, both of Racine; grandchildren, Haley, Brandon, Ryan and Nicholas Klinkhammer; Collin Gonzales; Evan and Lauryn Klinkhammer; Katie and Kayla Hauptmann; and Megan Aust; sister and brothers (who affectionately named her “Sis”), Denise (Dale) Stillman, Charles (Patty), Larry (Connie), David (Anna Marie), Steve (Evelyn) and Rick (Kellie) Smetana; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norbert and Flora Klinkhammer; sisters-in-law, Charla Klinkhammer, Barbara (David) Rudin and Beverly (Joe) Paricka; and by many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to her parents and husband, Cathy was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Norbert B. “Norby” Klinkhammer.
Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Brian Gorman officiating. Interment will follow in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Ronald. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.
A special note of thanks to the wonderful staff of Hospice Alliance for providing compassionate care in these past few weeks; and to Dr. Michael P. Mullane, and his entire team, for 11 years of dedicated treatment and treasured friendship. May God bless all of you!
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000
1 comment:
We'll miss you Sis! Love & peace to you, Mary B
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