Racine- Catherine S. (nee: Smetana) Klinkhammer, 57, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded with the love of her family, on Thursday, August 21, 2008, following a brave and determined 11-year battle with ovarian cancer. A lifetime resident, Cathy was born in Racine on February 1, 1951 to the late Charles and Catherine E. (nee: Bentley) Smetana. She attended St. Edward’s Grade School, graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in 1969. On April 25, 1970 in St. Edward Catholic Church, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Ronald J. Klinkhammer. Tragically, Ron died unexpectedly of a heart attack this past January, 29, 2008. For a period of time, she was employed by Color Arts. However, Cathy proudly chose her life’s work to be a devoted homemaker, a career she completely excelled at. Being a Mom and a Grandma meant everything in the world to her. When diagnosed with Stage 4-ovarian cancer in early 1998, she was the rock of the family, in a very scary situation, and comforted her children with a promise that she would fight with all her might. Cathy had incredible strength and totally amazed her family and friends with an extremely positive attitude, even with the numerous rounds of chemotherapy that she received. Cathy enjoyed crafts, especially quilting, sewing, crocheting and creating beautiful stained glass with her husband; tending to her flowers in her garden; and spending time on her computer. Above all, she loved and cherished being with her entire family. Surviving are her children, Eric (Tammy) Klinkhammer of Kenosha; Kevin (Tracy) Klinkhammer of Racine; Cathy Ann (Kirk) Hauptmann and Heather (Tony) Aust, both of Racine; grandchildren, Haley, Brandon, Ryan and Nicholas Klinkhammer; Collin Gonzales; Evan and Lauryn Klinkhammer; Katie and Kayla Hauptmann; and Megan Aust; sister and brothers (who affectionately named her “Sis”), Denise (Dale) Stillman, Charles (Patty), Larry (Connie), David (Anna Marie), Steve (Evelyn) and Rick (Kellie) Smetana; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norbert and Flora Klinkhammer; sisters-in-law, Charla Klinkhammer, Barbara (David) Rudin and Beverly (Joe) Paricka; and by many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to her parents and husband, Cathy was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Norbert B. “Norby” Klinkhammer. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 11 am with Rev. Brian Gorman officiating. Interment will follow in S. Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, next to her beloved husband, Ronald. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-8 pm and on Tuesday from 10-11 am. A special note of thanks to the wonderful staff of Hospice Alliance for providing compassionate care in these past few weeks; and to Dr. Michael P. Mullane, and his entire team, for 11 years of dedicated treatment and treasured friendship. May God bless all of you!
Lenette Horton says
To the Family and Friends of Mrs. Catherine Sue Klinkhammer:
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to each of you. Although we are not acquainted with one another, we all know what it feels like to lose one of our loved ones to death. Our Heavenly Father feels the pain that you are going through.
He promises that the day is soon to come in which he will wipe the tears of sorrow from our eyes forever and death will be no more. (Revelation 21:3-5)
He also promises that all those in the memorial tombs (graves) will hear his voice and come out. (John 5:28,29)
Until his words are fulfilled may each of you continue to take comfort in him.
Ed. Ide says
Eric your in our prayers, We both understand you great loss and if you need some one to talk with we are here, if you need anything let us know Ed & Sue Ide