Kathryn May Lenze of Stevens Point, entered the gates of heaven on June 14, 2019, joining her husband of 62 years in eternal bliss.

Kate was born on August 19, 1933 to Omer & Elsie Wendt in the village of Burnett in Dodge County. She had two sisters, Helen and Durcie, and a brother, Jim, who have all preceded her in death. She graduated from high school in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Kate married Donald Lenze on August 18, 1956. Don passed away in March of this year.

Kate and Don had five children: Debbie (Neil) Miller, Stevens Point; Edward (deceased), Donna (Chuck) Szymanski, Wisconsin Rapids; Diane Schaffer (Jason Stamm), Menomonee Falls; and Erica (Mark) Koeppel, Belleville. They also had 12 grandchildren: Jessica Scheid, Lee Scheid, Autumn (Keith) Groshek, Amber (Nate) Thiel, Alyssa Lenze (Ross Oestreich), Candi (Rory) Ringer, Jamie Szymanski, Michael Szymanski, Carley Schaffer, Joey Schaffer, Cheyenne Koeppel, and Cody Koeppel. They were also blessed with eight great-grandchildren.

Kate’s spirited approach to life was evident in her daily activities. She was a volunteer at the Holly Shop at the Lincoln Senior Center in Stevens Point for nearly 20 years. Many hours were spent making crafts to sell as well as playing Bunco at the center. But Kate’s competitive spirit began well before that as she enjoyed a heated card game at the kitchen table or a fiery game of horseshoes in the pits in the backyard. When she was younger, she enjoyed bowling in a league as well.

The summer months brought the greatest joy to Kate as she found herself busy and relaxing at the same time. The couple looked forward to spending time roughing it at a quiet campground up north near Ashland, fishing a little and laughing a lot while sitting around the campfire. Complimenting her husband’s green thumb, she would often prepare meals based on the fresh vegetables grown in the garden, such as stuffed peppers, but summer also brought the task of canning pickles and making jam. One of her favorite pastimes was to work at a rummage sale, people-watching while spending time with family. Finding delight in riding a Tilt-a-Whirl ride at Bay Beach or the Rosholt Fair, generations of children took pride in getting Kate to make the ride spin uncontrollably. Vacations to Colorado, New York City, Florida, Missouri, and the east coast filled her with happy memories. The Brewers were often viewed from her living room chair, but that did not diminish her verbal commentaries in relation to the game.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 17th, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stevens Point. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until time of service.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com