Kathleen Mary Rumsey

Kathleen Mary Rumsey, age 81, entered into eternal rest on June 18, 2025, with close friends by her side. She was born in Neenah, WI, the daughter of William and Lulu (Heimgaertner) Rumsey, on December 22, 1943. Kathleen worked at the city planning office of Appleton, WI, where she met her close friend Melissa. She then went on to teach in the Appleton Area School District for 30 years.
Loyal from the beginning to the end, Kathleen held onto 2 friends from childhood – Pat & Ruth. Her friends meant the world to her, and her to them. She often went camping with her friends and was a part of the 'Women of the Friday Fish Fry', where the group would meet on Fridays at various restaurants around the Fox Valley for food and friendship. This tradition has been going on for over 30 years.
Kathleen had many passions, but what stuck out amongst the others was rescuing animals. In her garden, she has the memorial stones of 5 of her beloved rescue dogs who have passed over the years. In the last 20 years, Kathleen has adopted 5 dogs from local rescue organizations. She loved nature and supported the causes she believed in.
She is survived by two cousins; close friends: Melissa Borth, Mary Bernier, Leslie Pelky, Barb Behm; special pup Teagon.
Preceding her in death is her parents; infant brother Phillip Rumsey.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 108 W Doty Ave, Neenah, WI 54956, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, with visitation from 2:30pm until the time of service at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the local Humane Society or the Nature Conservancy.
Rest in peace, Kathleen.