Kathleen Ruth Malzacher

Kathleen Ruth (Walsh) Malzacher, 95, of Sparta, passed away Friday, August 14, 2020, at home surrounded by her family. She was born August 24, 1924 in Boscobel, WI to Thomas and Theresa (Conley) Walsh. Kathleen graduated from La Crosse Teacher’s College and taught in a one-room school. She married Donald J. Malzacher on January 25, 1947.

Kathleen loved being a wife and mother. She worked hard alongside her husband Don to make their farm a success. She was known for being a great cook. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, knitting, reading and doing word search puzzles. When Kathleen wanted something done, she could “get her Irish up”. At the age of 65 she attained her driver’s license.

Survivors include her children, Donna (Don) Justin, Raymond (Cathy) Malzacher and Brian Malzacher; grandchildren, Dawn Justin, Jenny (Tom) Ziegler, and Thomas Malzacher; a great granddaughter, Madelynn Ziegler; daughter-in-law, Mary Sue Neumann; sister-in-law, Rosemary Malzacher; brother-in-law, Norman (Lillian) Malzacher; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; two children, John and Carolyn, parents, Thomas and Theresa; six sisters, three brothers, seven brothers-in law and three sisters-in-law.

Visitation for Kathleen will be from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta. Facial coverings are recommended and social distancing will be observed. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in the church Cemetery, Sparta. Online condolences may be sent to Kathleen’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com

The family would like to thank the Mayo Hospice Team for their assistance.

The Lanaham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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