Kathleen Jo (née Kime) Ligenza, 76

Kathleen Jo (née Kime) Ligenza, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, October 2, 2023, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, after years of dealing with a bad heart, at the age of 76. She was ready to be reunited with her husband, Lee.

Kathleen was born April 21, 1947 in La Crosse, Wis.; daughter of Dean and Eleanore (née Svoboda) Kime. She grew up in the area and attended local schools. She was a friend to everyone, a dedicated student, achieving straight As, and a proud member of the marching band, playing the saxophone, which she loved to do. On June 7, 1965, she graduated from Logan High School in La Crosse.

Following high school, on September 9, 1965, Kathleen enlisted in the U.S. Navy and bravely served our country. After her time in the Navy, Kathleen went on to further her education at Midstate Technical College, graduating in 1976, and became a Registered LPN. During this time, Kathleen also met Lee Ligenza and knew she found her person. The two were married on July 20, 1966, and went on to have two children together. Kathleen was a dedicated wife and mother, and grandmother, who doted on her great-grandchildren.

Being full of life, Kathleen also made sure to be involved within the community. She and Lee were both Moose Members, and Kathleen was also an active member of The Women of the Moose; a membership she held for the rest of her life. Kathleen even went on to become the Senior Regent of The Women of the Moose.

Some of Kathleen’s favorite pastimes include camping “Up North” at Patricia Lake Campground in Minocqua, Monday night bowling league at Skipp’s Bowling Center, playing softball in her younger years, and cheering for her Green Bay Packers. While Kathleen will fondly be remembered as the life of the party, she also enjoyed her quieter moments when she handmade her own jewelry, even selling some on the side, and making diamond art.

Kathleen is survived by her son, John Ligenza; her daughter, Linda (Jack) Firkus; her grandsons, Justin, Tanner, and Jacob Ligenza; and her great-granddaughters, Kierra Rose and Savannah Lee Ligenza. She is further survived by her brother, Dennis Kime; her sister, Linda Lenox; and her furry granddogs, Wilson and Reagan.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lee.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to King Veterans Home, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center’s ICU department in Appleton, ThedaCare Hospital’s Emergency Department in Waupaca, AMVETS, and The Moose Family Center, for all they have done for Kathleen and her family.

A funeral service will be held in honor of Kathleen at 12 p.m., with full Military Honors at 12:30, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Tuesday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the Moose Ritual to be held at 11:30 a.m., followed by the service. A private burial will take place at a later date at King Veterans Cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.