Kathryn Marie "Kathy" Wartner

Kathryn Marie "Kathy" Wartner (nee Draxler), age 77, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Greenville, NC. Born on November 22, 1947, in Marshfield, WI, Kathy lived a life marked by joy, generosity, and unwavering faith. Her most favorite saying was "seek joy".
Kathy graduated from Columbus High School in Marshfield and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Her education laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service, creativity and community.
She shared her life with her beloved husband, Jim Wartner. Together they raised their son, Aaron Wartner (the love of her life) and later welcomed daughter-in-law, Charity Hemingway, into their family. Kathy's love for her family was boundless and ever present.
She was one of eleven siblings and is lovingly remembered by her sisters Judith "Judy" Bissonett, Marie Hawks, Sheila Krajnik; and her brothers John Draxler, Michael "Mike" Draxler, Paul "Bugs" Draxler, Peter "Pete" Draxler, Steven "Tubby" Draxler, James "Jim" Draxler, and Patrick "Chuck" Draxler. She was preceded in death by her parents Ida and Raymond Draxler. Kathy will also be remembered by loving sisters and brothers-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews who were touched by her warmth.
Kathy and Jim, along with their son Aaron, had the opportunity to live in six states before retiring close to the ocean in North Carolina. So, Kathy leaves behind countless friends, some of whom became real family, from coast to coast.
Kathy had a vibrant spirit that shone through in every aspect of her life. She found joy in collecting Christmas figurines as well as ornaments – especially Pipka's, birds and felt mice – antique cookbooks, pottery and fine art. She truly enjoyed the arts, which included the symphony, museums of any sort and an annual trip to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Her home reflected her passions, filled with beautiful plants she lovingly tended to, both indoors and out. She delighted in card making and gardening, always eager to share the fruits of her creativity with others. Kathy was an avid reader, and books can be found in almost every room in her home.
A gifted cook and baker, Kathy especially cherished the Christmas season when she would fill her kitchen with the aroma of cookies baked with love, which she shipped to family and friends. Her culinary talents were matched only by her generous heart.
Service to others was central to Kathy's life. She gave freely of her time and talents in each state where she lived. Most recently it was to Share the Table in Surf City, NC, and Vagabond Missions in Greenville, NC. Whether organizing events, helping a person with a resume, feeding those in need, or donating to NPH USA (supporting children in Central and South America), among others. Kathy embodied compassion in action.
Her deep Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her identity. A devoted member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Roman Catholic Church and the Columbiettes auxiliary group, Kathy found strength and purpose within her faith community. Her spiritual devotion guided her daily life and inspired those around her.
Those who knew Kathy will remember her as an outgoing spirit, full of joy, – quick to laugh and always ready to lend support or share a kind word. Her legacy is one of Love; for family, for friends, for beauty in all forms – and above all – for serving others with grace and dignity.
A celebration of her life will be held in Greenville, NC, at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church on Thursday, May 15th at 11:30 AM. The Columbiettes will honor her with a dinner following the service. Additionally, a Memorial Service will be held in Marshfield, WI, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Thursday, August 14th at 11:30 AM with dinner to follow.
Even though Kathy loved plants, she was extremely keen on serving others. So in lieu of live plants, at her Celebration of Life or Memorial service, she would love it if you were to donate, in her memory, to Share the Table (Address and website below).
Share the Table
PO Box 4170
Surf City, NC 28445
www.sharethetablenc.com