Kathleen Ann Eickhoff

On the evening of September 27th, 2023, Kathleen Eickhoff (formerly Kruesel) passed away after a two-year battle with dementia at the Morningstar Facility in Lone Tree, CO. Kathy was 75 years old, born on July 31st, 1948 in Bethesda, Maryland while her father was stationed there in the Navy. She was the first child and daughter of Walter Kruesel and Romelle Kruesel (formerly Kratohwil) who preceded her in death. Kathy graduated from Newman High School in 1966 and UW-Eau Claire with a B.S. in English and Psychology.

Kathy married Gary Grenier of Wausau, WI who preceded her in death on March 9th, 1982. They had one son together, Eric Grenier. She later married Stephen Eickhoff who preceded her in death after complications from agent orange exposure during the Vietnam War. 

In 2008, Kathy reconnected with her High School Sweetheart, Ken Peterson who had dated her back in 1963-64. Ken and Kathy rekindled their relationship and she moved from Arvada, Colorado to Wausau, WI where she had been residing for the last 14 years. Ken and Kathy spent every day together enjoying the outdoors, Wisconsin Badger and Packer games, golf, reading, and just enjoying nature around their home in the town of Wausau. One of Kathy's hobbies was collecting anything that was pig-related. She also loved small children and babies and would always look for "little ones" whenever she was shopping or out socially. She will always be remembered as a very kind, gentle and intelligent woman who never spoke negatively about anyone or anything. 

Kathy is survived by her son Eric Grenier and grandchildren Anique, Jayden, and Milana Grenier, all of the Denver area. She is also survived by her siblings Jim Kruesel (Wausau, WI) and Karen Lang (Menomonee Falls, WI). Also stepdaughter, Natasha McGoldrick and granddaughters Kaitlyn Morin and Emily Berg-Thompson. 

A Celebration of Life for Kathy will be held at Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau on October 12th, 2023 at 11am. Visitation for friends and family will commence at 10am until time of services. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery immediately afterwards. Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling all arrangements. Condolences can be directed to her son Eric Grenier.