Kathy Joan Graupner

Kathy Graupner, age 71, passed away unexpectedly at Aurora Bay Care Hospital in Green Bay, WI on August 14th, 2024, with her loving family by her side. Her loss was completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened. Kathy was born in Fond du lac, WI to Charles and Hazel (Fick) Steinke. Kathy married Donald, the love of her life, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wayside. During their 47 years of marriage, they had three children: Crystal, Shannon, and Shawn.
Over the years, Kathy enjoyed spending more time with her grandchildren, bowling, gardening, crafting, reading, and encouraging anyone to play board and card games. She loved her family deeply, and immensely enjoyed having big family picnics. Special journeys with Don included Arizona, Texas, California, Florida, and even Germany throughout the years. Unfortunately, Parkinson's Disease started to take a toll, but it didn't slow her down completely. She continued to be strong-willed and stubborn, never allowing the disease to be her whole story-only a chapter in it. Kathy enjoyed attending her Parkinson's exercise classes where she met and appreciated many kindred spirits. Her faith in God led to meaningful relationships within her church community, with which she treasured.
Kathy is survived by her spouse, Don of Reedsville. Children, Crystal Steinke of Manitowoc, Shannon (Scott) Kelly of Kaukauna, and Shawn (Adrienne) Graupner of Hubbard, TX. She was a very proud Grandma Kate to seven grandchildren. Jared Leathers, Paige Leathers, Rachael Graupner, Zachary Graupner, Ella Scherer, Vicky Scherer, and Bella Scherer. She was also excited to recently learn that she became a great grandma to one great grandchild Marinette Scherer.
Kathy leaves behind siblings and their spouses. Gloria (Paul) Graupner of Reedsville, Nancy (Stanley) Surk of Crivitz, Charles Steinke of Oshkosh, and Kenneth (Jenny) Steinke of Hayton. She also leaves behind in-laws and their spouses. Herman Graupner of Reedsville, Linda Krumveida of Green Bay, Dora (Jerry) Fick of Appleton, Robert (Marie) of Whitelake, Joan (Jim) Carlson of Ft. Atkinson, Carol Graupner of Reedsville, and Bill Graupner of Hubbard, TX. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Charles and Hazel Steinke. Her mother and father in-law, Herman and Melinda Graupner. Her siblings, Terry Bruechert, Richard Steinke, and Dawn Steinke. Brother in-laws, Richard Graupner and Kurt Graupner.
Family and friends may greet the family at Grace Lutheran Church, 2426 N. Rapids Rd. Manitowoc from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19th. 2024. Pastor Ryan Henning officiating. Cremation has taken place and Kathy's remains will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Nickel Funeral Home, Morrison, is assisting the family.
Words cannot express our gratitude to those who have provided care and companionship to Kathy over the years. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the first responders, rescue squad, and the staff at Aurora Bay Care for their loving care during the heartbreaking final moments of Kathy's life.