Kathleen Wegner

Kathleen Marie Wegner (Birkholz) passed away on Friday December 19th after a long and recurring battle with cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her family. She was 68 years old.

The sixth of nine children, Kathy was born in and raised in Stayton, Oregon and attended St. Mary’s Elementary and Regis High School. In 1974 she married Bill Nuttman and bore their son Lance. They were married for 13 years.

In 1990, Kathy married her husband Jeff Wegner. In addition to her step-daughter Erin Bearce, Kathy and Jeff bore two daughters together, Lauren and Kasten.

A devout Catholic, Kathy’s service to numerous parishes in the mid-Willamette Valley was always tantamount. She spent several years teaching religious education classes and vacation bible school in Albany, Sweet Home, and Oregon City, and created curriculum for Liturgy of the Word programs. Her faith was unwavering and inspirational.

Kathy found joy in tending her garden, crafting, and spending time with her beloved granddaughter Lila. Kathy’s beautiful spirit touched countless lives, young and old. She was a sweet, selfless, dedicated and devout wife, friend, mother and grandmother. One of her greatest passions and skills was daycare for children - so many nieces and nephews, neighbor kids, and others were brought up under her care. They learned compassion, love, respect, and safety through her stories and lessons, caressed by her laughter and a silly song or two (or 92).

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Arlyn and Irene Birkholz (Kasten), and brother Terry Birkholz. She is survived by her husband Jeff Wegner of Oregon City; children Lance Nuttman (Marla), Erin Bearce (Derek), Lauren Wegner (Elijah), Kasten McElroy (Kevin); grandchildren Lila and Theo; brothers Tom, Dick, and Bill Birkholz; sisters Valarie Paddock, Janice McGowan, Cheri Bales, and Kristina Tjerlund; and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are being made through Weddle Funeral Home in Stayton.