Kathryn (Kathy) Negaard, 87

Kathryn (Kathy) Negaard, 87, of Stevens Point, Wis., passed away peacefully on July 25 at Northridge Memory Care.

Born in 1937 in Neillsville, Wis., she was the daughter of Susanna and Martin Feuerstein. Kathy attended local schools, graduating with honors. In 1957, she earned an X-ray technical degree from St. Joseph Hospital in Marshfield, Wis. In the early 1960s, she attended Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point (now UWSP), where she earned a degree in biology and was a member of the band.

In 1961, she married Jack Negaard. The couple lived in Stevens Point and divorced in 1994. During most of the 1960s, Kathy worked as an X-ray technician at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point. In 1972, she earned a master’s degree in art education from UWSP. Kathy began a distinguished 30-year career teaching art at P.J. Jacobs Junior High School, where she inspired countless young artists.

In the 1980s, she began collaborating with UWSP art professor Herb Sandman to explore and refine handmade paper as an art form. Her creative works won awards in juried shows in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, Chicago, and Milwaukee. After retiring from education, Kathy focused on producing handmade jewelry that incorporated the textures of paper and metal. Her unique creations were sold in Milwaukee, Chicago, New Mexico, and online. She was a long-time participant in the Hidden Studios tour, Riverfront Arts Center, and was one of the original founders of Art in the Park.

Beyond her creative talents, Kathy was a devoted mother and grandmother. She cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren, encouraging them to be creative and unique. Kathy was an avid supporter of their athletic, artistic, and musical pursuits. She loved outdoor activities and traveling, enjoying adventures with numerous friends and her sister, Janet.

Kathy is survived by her son, Jack (Connie) Negaard of Stevens Point; and grandchildren, Tom (Makani Peters) Negaard of New York, N.Y., and Maggie Negaard of Minneapolis, Minn. The family extends their gratitude to Northridge and Interim Hospice for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held in October.