Kathleen Jane Desjarlais

Kathleen Jane Desjarlais (Hoffman), age 69, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2021. She was born on December 16, 1951 in Appleton, WI to Grant Hess and Jane Bishop Hoffman. Kathy was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and wife. She was a loyal friend and devoted to her family – including her rescue dogs, was hard-working and selfless, and possessed a profound sense of wisdom and strength that will be missed by all who knew her. Kathy was broadly talented and infinitely creative, and had a gift for ‘spinning straw into gold’. She was an accomplished musician and artist, and an excellent cook and baker, with a sharp wit, infectious laugh, and a beautiful smile. Because of her dedication and work-ethic, Kathy rose to management positions throughout her career, eventually retiring after nearly 30 years with Burlington Coat Factory in Appleton, having made many cherished friends. 

Kathy is survived by her life-partner of 33 years, Clifford Lee Dutton; her daughter Nicole Desjarlais; son Joshua Dutton (Mark); brother Richard Hoffman (Marcia); sister Patricia Ann Chopra (Vijay), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grant and Jane Hoffman, and nephew Corey Miles Hoffman. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4th at Wichmann Fargo Funeral Home at 537 North Superior Street in Appleton. The visitation will take place from 1-3 p.m. with services to follow. 

Kathy’s family also wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Elizabeth’s hospital for the excellent and compassionate care they provided.