Katherine "Kc" Gerteisen-Culver

Katherine 'KC' Mae Gerteisen-Culver, 73, of Kyle, TX passed away due to illness on July 14, 2023. Katherine was born on June 28, 1950, in Lincoln, NE, to Joseph Dean Gerteisen and Merna (nee Howe) Gerteisen. KC was the oldest of three children. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968 and later attended classes at the University of Nebraska.
Also in 1968 at the tender age of 18, life presented her with an unforeseen challenge as she entered motherhood and, with a heavy heart, made the selfless decision to give her son up for adoption. Many years later she was eagerly reunited with that son, Shon Thielen of Omaha NE, and his beautiful family. Shon's family continued to be a big part of KC's life until her final days.
In 1972, she celebrated her 22nd birthday with the union of marriage to her high school sweetheart, Don 'Randy' Randolph Culver. From their love, a son named Nathan Culver was born in 1973. The marriage later ended and KC bravely and courageously raised Nathan as a single mom in an era that proved how independent and hard-working KC really was.
Destiny would call her to Austin, TX in 1983 when she attended Willie Nelson's iconic 4th of July Picnic concert with a fun-loving group of friends. At this pivotal event, she discovered her love for such an amazing city. Motivated by the possibilities and impact it could bring to her and Nathan, she made Austin their home the following year.
Throughout her life's journey, KC immersed herself in various occupations including working at Ace Hardware and managing the bar, Green Frog Lounge, in downtown Lincoln, NE. In Austin, she tenaciously pursued various jobs. Sometimes she would be working two or three jobs at a time to support her and a growing boy. Eventually, she found her place with the State of Texas in the Secretary of State's Office until her retirement. It was through many of these jobs where she found her best friends that enhanced her life so richly.
KC's soul thrived on literature and music. You could always see her carrying a book with her wherever she went. She loved all kinds of music but her all-time favorites were Santana, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, Marvin Gaye, Raul Malo, Etta James, Connie Francis, Aerosmith, The Beatles, Patsy Cline, and many, many more. Later in life KC found a new hobby of photography that took her to many scenic locations across the country including her favorite in Yosemite National Park. Another part of KC's heart belonged to her love of animals. Many loyal bonds with her pet dogs and cats are being celebrated with her homecoming.
Blessed with strong friendships and lifelong bonds, KC's friends were like family to her. While loyal to those she loved, her independence was also undeniable. She was very opinionated and also vocal about those opinions. With a person who was so passionate about her thoughts, it was that much more meaningful when she said she had a passion for the importance of family. KC held it in great esteem to become an "adopted mom" for Debra (Butler) Morris. KC wore it as a badge of honor to be asked to be there for the birth of Debra and Scott's two children.
KC reunited with her first born son in 2011. Shon, his wife, Terese, and their children Austen and Adeline (Addie) Thielen made a trip to Austin, TX for the reunion. KC's joy now knew no bounds. That branch of the family tree continues to grow with Austen's marriage to Sarah (Cundiff) Thielen.
Nathan, or "Bubba" as many of KC's co-workers knew him, married Jessica (Taylor) Culver in Austin, TX in 2007. Their precious daughters, Taylor and Presley Culver enjoyed sleepovers and swims at Grammy KC's place.
Debra (Butler) and Scott Morris of Salado, TX have two wonderful children: Hayden and McKenna who got to be the first grandchildren hugely spoiled by KC as they went on many adventures together.
Surviving KC are her children and grandchildren mentioned; her brother Joseph Gerteisen from Eagle, NE; nieces Megan and Faye Gerteisen from Lincoln, NE; nephew Bryce and his wife Morgan Gerteisen from Eagle, NE; Aunt Carol and her wife Loraine Bergin from San Jose, CA; best friend Terri Mehser Childs from Lincoln, NE; and ex-husband Randy Culver from Orlando, FL.
On this day, we bid farewell to a woman who lived life to the fullest, with excitement and happiness etched into every step she took. Her presence will be dearly missed, leaving a profound void in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and an extensive network of cherished friends. As requested, her ashes will be spread at Yosemite National Park, at her grandparents' gravesite in Beatrice, NE, and in Remembrance Gardens in Austin, TX.
May her spirit find eternal peace as we celebrate the legacy of Katherine 'KC' Mae Gerteisen-Culver.
Donations to animal shelters in her name would be a great way to honor KC. AustinPetsAlive.org is a local organization that aligns with her passions and is even the source of a few of her pets over the years.