Catherine L. Mastalir

Catherine L. ("Cathy", "Katie", nee Froelich) Mastalir, 93, Kewaunee WI, died peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with family by her side. Born December 5, 1932, on a farm in Bellevue WI, she was the third child of Albert & Regina (Kaster) Froelich. She attended a rural one-room school that housed all students, grades 1-8, then St Philip grade school in Green Bay. The family moved to the farm south of Kewaunee & she attended & graduated from St Joseph's Academy, Green Bay. After high school, she went to work at the Hamilton Manufacturing Company in Two Rivers in 1951, then transferred to Kewaunee where she worked until the winter of 1953. She met Edward E. "Fred" Mastalir at an auction in Kewaunee & again at a polka dance at Kubsch's. They were married on April 11, 1953, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Norman & resided in Kewaunee where they raised nine children while they danced their way through 47+ years of marriage.

In addition to raising nine children, mom believed in volunteering in the community. She was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Parish where she volunteered with the Rosary Society serving funeral dinners, ushered at mass, taught high school religion classes, was instrumental in co-coordinating the Holy Rosary Food Pantry & was recognized by Holy Rosary Parish for her efforts. In the community she was a 4-H volunteer, worked with the Toys For Tots program, helped care for numerous homebound residents, American Legion Auxiliary, Secretary/Treasurer of Catholic Knights for 25 years & a recipient of the Kewaunee Rotary Club Person of the Year. She was "Ma" to our friends & "Grandma Cathy" to all of the neighborhood kids. The most important things in mom's life were her family and her faith. Praying the rosary was a regular occurrence throughout her life.

Mom never retired-she cooked & baked constantly for her family & friends. There was always room at the family dining table. No one spent holidays alone-they were always welcome. She is affectionately remembered for her raised dough bakery, sugar donuts, tea milk & a "cuppa hot, hot milk".

She is survived by her children John Mastalir, Kewaunee, Paul (Helen) Mastalir, Shawano, Mary Szpara, Midland, NC, Margo Mastalir, Kewaunee, Steven Mastalir, Kewaunee, Daniel Mastalir (Jan Lindberg), Kewaunee, Peter Mastalir (Dennis Bartley), Dade City, FL, Andrew (Betty) Mastalir, Kewaunee, Ann Jahnke (Rick Linssen), Green Bay, Grandchildren: Marlene (J) Hall, Michael Mastalir (Jody Smits), Maria (Matt) Stevens, Adam (Kirsten) Mastalir, Alan Mastalir, Benjamin (Abby) Mastalir, Matthew Mastalir (Marisa Skajewski), Kennedy (Michael) Milet, Sawyer Allen, Amanda Jahnke, Great Grands: Gina (Dylan) Steinhorst, Grant Augustian (Maddy Vandenbusch), JD, Luke, Kavari & Havanna Hall, Jack, Isobel & Aria Stevens & Alexandria Mastalir. She is further survived by her siblings Theresa Barta, Kenneth (Jan) Froelich, Robert (Lynn) Froelich, James (Marlene) Froelich, Gladys Schommer, Ann Froelich, Mary (Richard) Augustian, Charles (Shirley) Froelich, Michael (Chris) Froelich, many nieces, nephews & "cousins by the dozens!"

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, sons Matthew Mastalir, at birth, & David Mastalir, son-in-law, Michael Szpara, daughter-in-law, Lynn Mastalir, parents, Albert & Regina Froelich, brother Francis Froelich, sister, Margaret Stangel, brothers-in-law Francis "Cisco" Mastalir, Daniel Stangel, David Barta, Charles Schommer, sisters-in-law Barbara Froelich & Joan Froelich.

Friends & Family may call from 3 to 9 pm on Friday, February 6 at Kinnard Funeral Home, Kewaunee, with a Prayer Service lead by Fr. George Daniel at 8 pm. Family will continue to welcome visitors at Holy Rosary Parish on Saturday, February 7 from 9 – 10:45 a.m. The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m., Fr. George Daniel, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the parish cemetery.

The Family would like to extend a special thank you to all of the Staff at Silver Leaf Manor, Aurora Hospice, Fr George Daniel, Deacon Dennis & Geri Sutter & all family & members of the community for their frequent visits to pray with mom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Holy Rosary Food Pantry or Holy Rosary School in her memory.