Kathryn M. Pierce

Kathryn Mae Pierce died April 27, 2015 in Monroe, Wisconsin just days shy of her 88 ^th birthday. Kathryn was born May 2, 1927 to Rolland and Lillian (Fiechter) Rohde in Browntown, Wisconsin. She grew up on the family farm, sandwiched between her older sister Marian, who she adored, and her little brother Delbert. She graduated from Winslow High School in 1945. She worked a number of secretarial jobs after high school collecting friends as she went.

In 1951 she married and began her travels of the world. Friends and memories were made in Mississippi, Texas, and Hawaii. She brought the beauty of Hawaii back with her when she returned to Wisconsin in 1972. With the grit and determination carried over from her farm upbringing as well as support of family and friends, she set out to create a life for herself and daughter, Carolyn.

Kathryn was a devoted and loving mother who knew the importance of instilling independence and a sense of self-worth in her daughter. Kathryn also believed in the power of friendship and through Carolyn's friendship with Karen Stanley, Kathryn acquired the love and affection of a second daughter.

Kathryn enjoyed a long and fulfilling career at First National Bank of Monroe where she counted both coworkers and customers as her dear friends. When she retired, she began a second career at the United Methodist Church reveling in the camaraderie of her office mates and the children of the church. Throughout her life she was buoyed by her strong faith and was deeply proud of her membership in the congregation.

He golden years brought the joy of grandchildren, grandnieces and great grandnephews. "Grandma Big Kat" showered the children in her life with love and affection. Throughout her life, her brother Delbert and his wife Joy were her pillars of strength and constant companions. Kathryn loved them both with all her heart and delighted in their years of friendship together.

Kathryn is survived by her daughter Carolyn, son-in-law Frog (who never did call strike three); grandchildren Finnegan and Laramie; brother Delbert; sister-in-law, Joy and their children, Wayne (Susie) Rohde and Lynn (Scott) Spangler; nephew, Richard Stubbe and his wife Mary; grandnieces Julia, Jessica, Justina, Chelsea, and Courtney; great grandnephews, Oliver, Wyatt, and Elliott; as well as dear friend and caretaker Lenae Ambrose.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at the Monroe United Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Booth officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund will be established in Kathryn's name for the Noah's Ark Preschool. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family.