Kathleen A. Vehrenkamp

Kathleen A. “Kathy” Vehrenkamp, 75 of La Crosse, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at her home. Kathy was born on September 23, 1949 to Dr. George “Bud” and Janet Frost. She and her husband, Dave Vehrenkamp married September 11, 1971. Dave started his own business, Dave’s Sheet Metal, Inc., in 1989 with Kathy serving as bookkeeper.

Kathy retired May 24, 2019 after working 48 years as a dental hygienist for several local dentists, including her dad, Dr. George Frost, Dr. Richard Strand, Dr. Dan Mullenbach, and Coulee Family Dental. Kathy enjoyed boating and fishing on their pontoon boat, gardening, baking, canning her garden produce, and reading. Most importantly, she loved being involved in her grandchildrens’ activities.

Kathy was a Girl Scout Leader, the secretary for the La Crosse Dental Hygienists’ Association, Past-president and current member of Chapter BI, P.E.O. (Women’s Educational Organization) and was the 1991 Mrs. Oktoberfest. In 1998, her husband Dave built the past Mrs. Oktoberfest float. Dave and Kathy maintained the float until 2021.

She is the Frost Family Historian and the Mrs. Oktoberfest historian keeping history of both and updating them when needed.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Dave. They have three children and seven grandchildren. Their son, Mark, works as a sheet metal journeyman and is now the owner of Dave’s Sheet Metal, Inc. Tammy works for United Healthcare and now bookkeeper for Dave’s Sheet Metal, Inc.. Mark and his wife, Tammy, have three children, Erica (Chase), Emily (Reece), and Evan. Their daughter, Amy, is married to Chris Stevens and lives in New Richmond, WI. They have two daughters, Kailey and Amber. Amy is an art teacher at St. Croix Central High School and her husband works at Derrick Companies. Kathy and Dave’s youngest daughter, Anna is married to Chris Stindt and they have two children, Ben and Julie. They live in La Crosse, Anna is a social worker, now working as Mental Health Director at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA and her husband, Chris, works at a local bike shop.

Kathy is survived by her siblings, Mary Stanek, Sally (Jim) Caspersen, George (Kim) Frost, and Dan (Tracy) Frost.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Millie and Fritz Vehrenkamp; brother-in-law, Dan Stanek; and niece, Abby Frost.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the beginning of Mass at the church. Fr. Brian Konopa will officiate. Luncheon proceeding.

Kathy’s family would like to give a special thank you to the Gundersen Health System Hospice team for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Gundersen Medical Foundation, Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, or a nonprofit of your choice.