Kathleen A. Coleman

Kathleen Ann Coleman, 94, of Shawano (formerly of Mountain), went to heaven on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, joining her beloved husband, Harvey Coleman. Kathy was born on Sept. 26, 1926, the ninth child of Henry and Catherine (Podlasik) Watzka of Pine Grove. Her mother died shortly after giving birth. Several family members helped to raise our mom.

Kathy’s sister, Frances Van Beek, and her husband owned a restaurant on Anderson Lake where Kathy worked as a waitress. Eva and Alvin Coleman, who were customers, liked the sweet waitress and told her that their son, Harvey, was coming home from the Marines. A meeting was arranged, and the rest is history. The couple was married on June 13, 1947, and eventually raised three children.

Kathy was a very talented seamstress, making the children’s clothes, Halloween costumes, and even a prom dress. She knitted sweaters, hats, and mittens. Our mom was an amazing cook and baker. During this time she was also helping out at the family grocery store, Coleman’s Store in Mountain, which they owned and operated until 1974. After the store sold, Kathy worked many jobs including as a tour guide for Quick Tours in Mountain.

Kathy was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. She became an EMT and was one of the people instrumental in securing an ambulance for Mountain. Kathy worked tirelessly with friends on getting the historical Swedish log home in Mountain. She was also a school board member and interested in all things Mountain. Kathy helped many people stay at home at the end of theirs lives by being their caregiver.

Kathy is survived by her three children, Gwen (Dr. Charlie Thomas) Tatera, Glen (JoAnn) Coleman and Gail Coleman; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Harvey; her parents; siblings, Dorothy (Frank) Dobesh, Alice (Herbert) Lax, Frances (Roman “Ray”) Van Beek, Lillian (Elmer) Otto, Cloyde (Grace) Watzka, Ralph (Mary Ann) Watzka, Alvin Watzka, and Norbert Watzka; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Eva (Predith) and Alvin Coleman; sister-in-law, Lorraine (Conrad) Lipinski; grandchild, Grace Marie.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Scott Valentyn officiating. Masks are required. Kathy will be interred in Mountain Cemetery with Harvey.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Sue Olson, Sharon Ahern, Patty Peters, and Christie Tatera for being wonderful caregivers as well as Unity Hospice in Shawano.

A memorial fund has been established for dementia research.