Kathleen "Kay" Jane Herling

Kathleen (Kay) Herling, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on May 5, 2019 at the age of 96. She was born in Madison, Wisconsin to George Mael and Marion Colby. She married her high school sweetheart, George Herling, on November 24, 1940, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage before his death in 1991.

She was the loving mother of (the late) Sandi Nugent, Patti (David) McCloskey, Judie Ball (Andy Gratke), Nancy (Bill) Dearth, Richard (Tammy), Susan (Richard) O’Leary, Sallie (Greg) Gilmore, Peggy (Tony) Bodway, Jennifer (Greg) Whiting, and Geoffrey. She was the dear grandmother “Mimi” of 19, great-grandmother of 29, great-great-grandmother of 5, with two more on the way.

Kay was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend. To know her was to love her, and everyone did! After raising her family, she went to work and retired from Harnischfeger Corp. After retirement, she spent time up at her cottage in Oxford, WI or in her kitchen cooking and baking. Her door was always open to anyone who wanted to stop in for a visit.

Kay’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her granddaughter Tracy and great-granddaughters Cassaundra and Kayla for their extra special care over the last few years. They would also like to thank Dr. Demi of ProHealth, along with Nikki and Becky from Season’s Hospice, for their kindness and care of their beloved mother.

Our sweet “Baby Angel” now has her wings.

Private services are being held.