Kathleen Marie Sturzl

Kathleen Marie Sturzl, 84, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Kathleen was born on May 26, 1941, in Waupaca, the oldest child of the late Vincent J. and Gladys M. (Stauffacher) Graham. She graduated from Whitewater High School in 1959 and went on to attend UW-Whitewater. On St. Patrick's Day in 1963, Kathy met the love of her life, Raymond Sturzl. Ray and Kathy were married on September 7, 1963, at St. Patrick's Church in Whitewater. They made their home in Manitowoc, where they spent their 39 years of marriage together.

As a child, Kathy moved with her family to Whitewater. She deeply enjoyed time with her friends and family, especially her grandparents Mabel and Ralph Stauffacher and her Grandma Graham. Kathy cherished her special relationship with Grandma Graham, with whom she shared lunch every day during high school. She had a deep love for her Catholic faith, her family, and her Irish heritage.

Kathy held many fond memories of her youth in Whitewater. She loved music-especially Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll-and roller skating all over town. She even worked as a roller-skating carhop at Crummy's Drive-In, a job she described as "so much fun." In high school, Kathy was actively involved in many activities. She served as editor of the Whitewater Hi newspaper her senior year, was elected prom queen, and was a cheerleader. She was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority at UW-Whitewater and also attended UW-Green Bay and Silver Lake College.

After settling in Manitowoc in the fall of 1963, Kathy became an active member of the community. She served on the Holy Innocents School Board, was a Girl Scout troop leader, and volunteered extensively at her church. She and Ray were proud to be one of the five founding couples of Heart-A-Rama in 1971, which has since raised millions for the American Heart Association. Kathy also served on the board of the Manitowoc Domestic Violence Center and was on call to help rescue women and children in need of shelter. She was also a proud member of the Michigan Avenue Men's Club Auxiliary.

Once her children began attending school full-time, Kathy worked at the Blue Dolphin, the Greyhound bus station, and for nearly 20 years as an instructional aide at Madison Elementary School. She especially loved helping grade school children learn to read and practice their math skills.

Kathy and Ray shared a passion for sports and many adventures attending games. They loved supporting their children, nieces, nephews, and for 35 years attended Green Bay Packers games with Sally and Ken Kalscheur. Kathy also enjoyed following Roncalli athletics, Badger sports, the Chicago Cubs, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kathy is survived by her children: Theresa Sturzl, Milwaukee; Patrick (Lisa) Sturzl, Bruce, WI; and Jennifer Sturzl (Witczak), Manitowoc. She was the proud grandmother of Lucas and Lauren Sturzl and SusanRose and Joseph Witczak. She is also survived by her brothers: Ernie Graham, Mike (Brenda) Graham, Dennis (Jane) Graham, and Steve (Linda) Graham; a dear Graham family friend who was like a brother to her, Bill Salske; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 39 years, Ray; two sisters, Elizabeth Graham and Patricia Briggs; sister-in-law, Joan Graham; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Alice Sturzl; and her Sturzl in-laws: Eddie and Peggy Sturzl, Allan and Jeanne Stranz, Frankie and Sheila Sturzl, Shirley and Lee Van Cleve, and Kenny Sturzl. She was also preceded in death by four nephews-Bruce and Brian Sturzl, Billy Van Cleve, and Jerry Stranz-and two nieces, Patty Wagner and Lisa Van Cleve.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, October 10, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Doug LeCaptain will burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers who supported our mother and grandmother. The doctors, nurses, social workers, and medical staff at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital were exceptional. We are also especially grateful to the team at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their outstanding care. A special thank you to Terri for helping make it possible for Mom to spend her final days at home, just as she wished.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.