Madeleine Marie Kienast

Madeleine Marie (Mendini) Kienast, 83, of Waterford, WI, died peacefully on February 14, 2026.

Born on October 20, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI, Mandy was the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary (Molenda) Mendini. Her early life was spent in South Bend, IN while her father served in WWII. The family later relocated to the Milwaukee area and settled in Franklin. The oldest of four sisters, Mandy was a boarding student for three years at the Ag School in Rochester until it closed in 1959. She then graduated from Greenfield High School in 1960. She had fond memories of her Ag School days, particularly those with her cousin, Julieann Molenda.

Mandy married the love of her life, Wolf Gary Kienast, in 1962. Together, they raised five children, and she centered her life on her family. Mandy was a gentle and patient soul with a heart of gold. She loved caring for her beloved Wolfie, children, and grandchildren more than anything.

Mandy had a passion for quilting and sewing, planting and caring for her beautiful gardens (which expanded every year), and enjoying her home of nearly fifty years. She was always ready to lend a hand, offer support, or help out however needed. Talking on the phone with her sisters, kids, and grandkids was her joy. She adapted to the times though and learned to text like a pro. Her messages were often legendary in length and full of her wisdom (and emoji's)!

Her grandkids have the best memories of the annual "Camp Nana" sleepover and the huge October pumpkin carving party. Days by the pool, smoothies, and hot tubs were also on the schedule when staying with Nana. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Wolf; her children Michelle Kienast Hilgart (Rand) and their daughter Eleanor Hilgart, Mark Kienast (Christine) and their children Courtney Rivera (Jonny) and Calvin Kienast (Nicole Lillie), Kris Kienast Amborn (Greg) and their children Kate Kooi (Michael), Henry Amborn, and Maggie Amborn, Mia Kienast O'Brien (Jeff) and their children Finnian O'Brien (Jack Ogren) and Murphy O'Brien, and Mike Kienast (Angela) and their children Cassie Gjika (Paulin) and Colin Kienast; her great-granddaughter, Alethia; her sisters Melinda Mittag (Don) and Marsha McKinnon; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Mandy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Marlene Culver, and her granddaughter, Josephine Amborn.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Legacy Hospice who not only made Mandy's last months more comfortable, but also provided guidance and support to her family. We are also extremely grateful to the nursing staff at Burlington Health & Rehab and to all friends and family whose prayers and support meant the world over the past year.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28th at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (305 S. 1st St., Waterford, WI 53185) from 9:30AM - 10:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Family and friends are invited to a light lunch at the Church following Mass.