Kathleen L. Koch

Kathleen Louise Koch, age 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in the early morning hours on December 1, 2018 due to complications related to COPD.

Born February 17, 1947 in La Crosse Wisconsin to Grant and Lucile (Wellen) Koch. Kathy was the eldest of three children.  Kathy grew up with her family on Mississippi Street. The family loved animals and it is reported that they grew up with a variety of pets, including an owl, a fox, a squirrel, and a raccoon in addition to the more traditional family dog.  She graduated in 1965 from the old La Crosse Central High school and attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Kathy married Brian George Hayek in La Crosse and worked as a clerk for Trane Company. The loss of her father, birth of her daughter Michelle Marie, her divorce from Brian, and the start of the Vietnam war began a troubled time for Kathy, who was soon diagnosed with schizophrenia. The illness was an ongoing battle for her entire life. She was married briefly to Ron in La Crosse in 1970. They lived for a time in Rockford, Illinois. In 1972 Kathy married David Edward Cauffman, also in La Crosse. During their marriage, she attended La Crosse School of Beauty and held several other odd jobs, including working as a waitress at The Cerise.  In 1976 they shared the joy of bringing their son, Michael James into the world. They lived predominantly in La Crosse, but did spend some time in Rochester, Minnesota and Saukville, Wisconsin. She divorced David in 1978. By this time, the disease had affected her so badly that she spent much of her time in and out of hospitals and institutions.

Kathy spoke fondly of the nurses in the psych units at both St. Francis Medical Center and Gundersen Lutheran. She spent a great many years at Lakeview Health Center from around 1979 until around 1994.  Kathy lived an independent life for a number of years at Stokke Towers supported by La Crosse County Human Services. The family wishes to give a special thank you for the care of Dr. David Metzler who made it possible for Kathy to live as independently as she did for as long as she did.  Also special thanks to Joyce Dayton and staff and residents of Majos Casa family home for making her a part of the family during her final years. Kathy was truly happy there and the family noticed that she was the healthiest she had been in years.

No matter where she went or what she did, the universal response given to family was that Kathy was so sweet and caring and would never hurt a fly.  She had a stubborn streak a mile wide, which she may or may not have passed on to her children. She had an infectious laugh. People would always stop to listen if she had access to a piano.  She played everything from chopsticks to Chopin. Some special favorites were Music Box Dancer, Blue Danube, and Heart and Soul. She loved Karen Carpenter music, really anything in the 70s. In her final years she was a fan of watching Bonanza and Walker Texas Ranger.  She was always rather fastidious about her hair and makeup. If you knew her well, you were likely to spend time with her at some point dying her hair red or buying various hair baubles and makeup. She was skilled at French braids. She was rather outgoing and would talk with just about anyone.  She was very empathetic and comforted others whenever she could. She held strong to her faith and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bill (Billy) Koch of Onalaska, Wisconsin who passed April 23, 2017.  Kathleen is survived by her dear children Michelle Hayek of St. Louis, Missouri, and Michael (Nicole) Cauffman of Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin, her adored grandchildren Matthew Hunt, Nathan Hunt, Aaron Hunt, Aubrey Cauffman, Ella Cauffman and Madeline Cauffman, and her treasured  sister, Lucy (Brad) Miller of Cascade, Wisconsin , her honored nieces Amanda (Matt) Richardson and their sons, Grant Richardson and Ian Richardson, Helena (Doug) Garrett and their daughters Emily Saed and Madelein Saed, and Melissa (Whit) Durham and their daughter Diana Durham.

Kathleen Louise Koch was creative, kind and loving, and will never be forgotten.

Memorial services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Pastor Park Hunter will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of service.  A lunch is to follow at Schmdty’s restaurant where the family looks forward to sharing fond memories.