Pauline F. Raim Uthoff Ledbetter

Pauline Frances Raim Uthoff Ledbetter, formerly of Kiel, passed away peacefully in Mequon, WI on August 28, 2025 at the age of 89.

Pauline was born April 5, 1936 near Swisher, IA to Louis and Blanche Raim. She joined her older brother Ernest. The family moved to a farm north of Walford, IA where a younger brother Roman joined the family.

Pauline married Donnon Uthoff on November 28, 1956. Four children were born to this joyful union; Ann Marie, Lynn Lorraine, Jay Louis, and Amy Sue. The family settled in Eldora. IA where Pauline focused on raising the children and worked part-time as a bookkeeper. Following Donnon’s death in 1970, the family stayed in Eldora .

On April 13, 1975, Pauline married Leonard Ledbetter initially moving to Decorah, IA then later moving around Iowa living in Dubuque, Bettendorf, and Des Moines. Following Leonard’s death in 1992, Pauline continued to live and work in Des Moines.

In 1998, Pauline met Joe Winkel. They developed a friendship and love that drew Pauline to Joe’s home in Kiel, WI. Their partnership lasted the next 25 years, until Joe’s death in 2023. She recently moved to Village Pointe Commons in Grafton, WI and true to form made many friends and was enthusiastically involved in the community there.

Pauline enjoyed traveling with family and friends exploring many places near and far. An avid reader, she always had book recommendations and shared her books with others. Pauline had a soft spot for cats and dogs and always had pet treats in her pockets. She also put her love of people and service to work as a volunteer in many capacities.

Pauline had a heart of gold and a will of iron. She was magnetic; no matter where she moved, she quickly formed friends and established community. Never afraid to speak her mind, she was as generous with her opinions as she was with her warm hugs and kind actions. Pauline was a courageous and determined woman, a loyal and caring friend, a loving and beloved sister, wife, partner, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Above all, she was a good and faithful servant of the Lord, living in His peace and grace.

Pauline is survived by three children: Ann (Steve) Kester of Grafton, WI, Lynn Pfaff of Janesville, WI, and Jay (Kathy) Uthoff of Decorah, IA. Seven grandchildren: Aaron and Katherine Kester, Donald and James Pfaff, Megan (Nathan) Walker, Andrew (Jennie) Uthoff, and Matthew (Amber) Uthoff. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Adam, Anna, Tenley, Grey, Nico, Aleah, and Adriana, her brother Roman Raim, as well as nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father Blanche and Louis Raim, husband Donnon Uthoff, husband Leonard Ledbetter, daughter Amy Sue Uthoff, brother Ernest Raim and partner Joe Winkel.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Holy Trinity Church, School Hill, 11928 Marken Road, Kiel, WI starting at 10:00 AM with a prayer service following at 11:00 AM. Lunch will follow at the church. A committal service will be held at a later date at Blain Cemetery near Swisher, IA where Pauline will be laid to rest next to her beloved daughter Amy Sue.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials will be distributed to local animal shelters.