Kathleen Ann Mahlke

Kathleen Ann (Sheetz) Mahlke, 72, of La Crosse, WI, died Friday, June 2, 2023, at Marinuka Manor in Galesville, WI, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in La Crosse, WI, to John “Jack” and Rita (Smith) Sheetz on June 29, 1950, and attended Catholic schools in La Crosse. She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1968 and then earned her associate degree in nursing from Western Technical College and continued her education at Viterbo University. She married Carl Ernest Mahlke in La Crescent, MN, on August 15, 1986. Kathleen dedicated her early adult life to a career in nursing at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. She was a devoted wife and mother and later played an important role in the lives of her four grandchildren. Kathleen loved her grandchildren unconditionally and only ever saw the strengths and good in each of them. She had a thirst for knowledge and loved following politics and reading. She was never afraid to share her opinion and fight for what she believed in. Kathleen loved baking and trying new recipes from her extensive library of cookbooks, she treasured seeing the enjoyment her baking brought to others. She found great joy in celebrating holidays by decorating and celebrating with family, especially Halloween and Christmas. Her spirit of service, friendship, humor, and love will be remembered and carried on by her family.  Kathleen is survived by her husband, Carl Mahlke, Galesville, WI; son, Benjamin (Chelsea) Mahlke of Reynoldsburg, OH, grandchildren, Gretta Mahlke, Lincoln Mahlke, Bodhi Mahlke, and Finn Mahlke; her brother Stephen (Karen) Sheetz of Ferryville, WI; her sisters, Mary Ellen Justinger and Elizabeth (Gary) Miller both of La Crosse, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Douglas and John Sheetz both of La Crosse, WI. Kathleen's family is extremely grateful to her extended family of loving caregivers at Marinuka Manor and those who provided her home healthcare. A private family service will be held later this month.