Kathleen Van Straten

Kathleen Marie (Richardson) Van Straten age 74, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones around her after a long and courageous battle with cancer on October 16, 2025. Kathleen was born in Eau Claire, Wi on July 30, 1951, to Irene Steies. After graduating from Eau Claire Memorial High School and moving to the Fox Valley Kathleen started her career at Kimberly Clark where she met her loving husband, Richard. Kathleen worked there for 36 years, until her retirement in 2008. Kathleen married Richard on September 29, 1982, and spent 43 wonderful years together. Although she loved her husband with all her heart, her greatest accomplishments were her daughter Bridget Van Straten and son Chad (Nancy) Van Straten whom together gave her nine grandchildren Alyiah (Brandon), Alexis, Taylor, Chace, Mason, Adilynn, Annabelle, Chad Jr, and Markus that she loved more than life. Kathleen also had Stepchildren Mark (Jeanne) Van Straten, Jeff Van Straten, Step Grandchildren, and Step Great Grandchildren that she enjoyed spending time with. Kathleen was a social butterfly and loved spending time with family and friends whether at an event or at home. Kathleen also enjoyed cooking and sitting on the screen porch talking with family and friends.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Richard, children Bridget and Chad (Nancy), grandchildren Alyiah (Brandon), Alexis, Taylor, Chace, Mason, Adilynn, Annabelle, Chad Jr, and Markus.

Kathleen is further survived by her sister Cindy Girolamo of Eleva, sister and brothers-in-law Tom Van Straten, Jackie Waterstradt, John (Lucy) Van Straten, Jane (David) Van Straten, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Lorraine Orlando.

She is preceded in death by her mother Irene Steies, mother-in-law Nona Van Straten, brother in laws Jim Girolamo, Joe Van Straten, Gary Van Straten, Gary Waterstradt sister in laws Jeanne Van Straten, Janice Van Straten, as wells as many aunts, uncles, in laws, and cousins.

Kathleen stated, “Thank you to family and everyone who helped me out on this journey couldn’t have done it without you my special angels.”

The family would also like to thank ThedaCare Hospice for the compassionate care in her final moments as well as the many doctors, nurses, and staff who assisted Kathleen throughout her final journey.

Mom and Grandma today is not goodbye but hello to a new journey. Your tears of sadness, pain, and fear are now replaced with tears of joy. We are happy and at peace now and forever knowing you are in heaven. Always remember the love we shared that has made us stronger, and your strength, courage, and never give up attitude will continue through this eternal life. While we are no longer with you in person, your spirit will always be with us, and we will see each other once again someday. WE LOVE YOU!

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen”

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday October 24, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 900 Geiger Street, Neenah, WI 54956.