Katherine G. Thomas

Katherine “Kathy” Thomas, age 70, of Appleton, joined her Lord in Heaven on Friday evening, August 21, 2009 at home with her family by her side. Kathy was born in Appleton on May 25, 1939 to the late William and Pauline (Ganzen) Schmalz. As an infant, she was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church on July 2, 1939, and later confirmed there on April 27, 1952. Kathy was a graduate from Appleton High School, class of 1957.

On November 18, 1961 Kathy was united in marriage to Randall “Randy” Thomas at Grace Lutheran Church, Appleton.

Kathy was employed at Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL), where she was a Meeting Planner in Fraternal Affairs for 19 years until her retirement on May 31, 1996. She was an avid reader, quilter, enjoyed golfing, but most of all she cherished time spent with her 9 grandchildren. She loved playing games with her grandchildren, going to their sporting events, and attending their concerts and plays. One of her greatest joys was taking motorcycle and car trips with her husband and friends, Carl and Jere Kloehn.

Kathy was a faithful member of St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Appleton, where she was a member of Ladies Aid and Fox Valley Lutheran Ladies Guild. She also volunteered at St. Elizabeth Hospital, the Performing Arts Center, was a founding member of the Victim Crisis Response Team for the Appleton Police Department, and a member of the Christian Fish Program.

Kathy and Randy were one of the three families involved in establishing the first Christian pre-school in Appleton. This was a combination of Grace Lutheran Church and First English Lutheran Church. This evolved into the 1st thru 5th grade elementary school at Grace Lutheran. Later the school relocated to Shepherd of the Hills in Greenville.

In addition to her husband Randy, of 47 wonderful years, Kathy is further survived by their three children: Tara (Brad) Schlafer, and their children: Jonathan, Joshua, and Abigail, all of Appleton; Todd (Stephanie) Thomas, and their children: Trent, Hannah, and Samantha, all of Kaukauna; and Traci (Brian) Hegner, and their children: Jacob, Andrew, and Toby, all of Pine River, WI; her foster daughter: Mary Kainz, and her children: Kelly and Christopher; one sister-in-law: Carol (Gene) Rusch; two nephews: Craig (Brenda) Rusch, and their children: Mae, Kari (her daughter Alaysia), Emilie, Aaron; and Keith (Karen) Rusch; numerous cousins, and many other special friends, especially Rosie Motzer.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents: William and Pauline Schmalz; a grandson: Anthony Schlafer; an infant sister; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harvey and Ella Thomas.

A Funeral Service in Celebration of Kathy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at ST. MATTHEW EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 129 S. Mason Street, Appleton. Rev. Thomas Mielke will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again directly at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Kathy will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

A memorial fund has been established in Kathy's name for St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Fox Valley Lutheran High School band and athletic departments, and Theda Care at Home and Hospice.

Kathy's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Theda Care at Home and Hospice, Katy Vissers, Dr. Phillips, and Dr. Swanson for all their wonderful care and support.

“I don't know how to thank my wonderful family and especially my husband, Randy, the love of my life, who was made a nurse over night.
They were my angels on Earth. There aren't enough words to express the blessings God has given me.”
-Kathy

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, 739-1231