Katherine Louise Baier

Katherine Louise Baier passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin at age 85.

Kathy was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on December 21, 1939, to Elsie (Panke) and Alex Genz. She grew up on the North side and graduated from Logan High School. Kathy is survived by sons Steven (Pamela), Mark (Amelia), John (Terri); Grandchildren Kimberly and Matthew; Siblings Mary, Thomas (Mary), Christine, William (Joyce) and many nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and nephew Danny Genz.

Kathy was a nursing assistant at Bethany St. Joseph for many years and was well-loved by both patients and staff. When she returned to BSJ later as a resident, she enjoyed seeing some of the same colleagues she had worked with. Kathy loved gardening, especially flowers, and took pride in her backyard on Ferry Street. She drew inspiration from gardening magazines and her many books about English gardens. Kathy liked to include a visit to formal gardens and botanical centers during her travels. She enjoyed trips to visit her sons in Minneapolis, Boston, California, Michigan, and Oregon, as well as Washington DC and the Grand Canyon. Cape Cod was a favorite for antique hunting and sitting on the beach for hours admiring the endless waves. Antique pottery was a special interest. An avid reader, Kathy enjoyed biographies and books about politics, plus crossword puzzles and Antique Roadshow. Much of Kathy's life was dedicated to raising her sons and she had a knack for drawing lifelike cartoon characters to keep them entertained. Later this blossomed into oil painting, especially landscape scenes. Kathy enjoyed "martunies" as she called them, as a special treat. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 9th at 1:00pm and a memorial service at 2:00pm, both to be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Avenue So. La Crosse. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethany St. Joseph Care Center. Kathy’s family would like to thank the staff at BSJ for their wonderful, loving care for Kathy. Internment will take place at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.