Kathleen M. Hettenhaus

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen “Kathy” (McGarry) Hettenhaus of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She died at home of natural causes on April 26th, 2021, at the age of 77. She was born April 1st, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kathy had a vibrant spirit, an infectious sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. Just like her mother Cecile, Kathy had a way with words and often took pen to paper to write poems to her children. She had a saying for every occasion, and used them often. Kathy attended Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee for one year, after which she moved to Oshkosh, WI. She finished high school at Lourdes Academy, graduating in 1962. After graduation, Kathy married Dennis Hettenhaus. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents William and Cecile McGarry and her brother Terrance McGarry (Marlane). She leaves behind her son Brandt Hettenhaus (Susan) and daughter Sarah Hettenhaus, grandchildren Faith VanKeuren, Crystal VanKeuren, Mitchell Hettenhaus, former husband Dennis Hettenhaus, sister Kea McGarry Gogin (John), brother Daniel McGarry (Linda), and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy enjoyed her career as a unit clerk at Mercy Medical, from which she retired in 2006. She was an avid horsewoman in her younger years, and her passion for horses inspired her to make the move to farm life for nearly two decades. She competed in horse shows and birthed, cared for and raised countless animals. Making arguably the world’s greatest apple pie, Kathy enjoyed canning and baking on the farm until she discovered the microwave, which would become her sole cooking appliance.

In recent years, the simplest pleasures brought her the greatest joy. She planted tulip bulbs in her garden and spoiled squirrels and birds in her yard with unlimited food. Kathy also loved and cared for her cats, which brought her great amusement. She read Atlas Shrugged countless times and watched veterinarian shows or anything with Chuck Norris or Jimmy Stewart in it. Throughout the events of the past year, Kathy frequently spoke with her children and grandchildren, often with words of support and inspiration.

Tenaciously independent, Kathy lived her own way and did what she wanted until her last day, which may have occasionally included a Guinness from the nearby Mobil station. While her sudden passing has crushed our hearts, she would insist that we celebrate her life instead of mourning her loss. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 4th at 10 am at Calvary Memorial Cemetery, 5503 W. Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI. A small reception will follow for family and friends. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to their favorite charity in Kathy’s name.