Kathryn E. (Kitty) ZumMallen

After living a full and blessed life, Kathryn E. (Kitty) ZumMallen passed away peacefully as the sun rose on Sunday, May 28, 2023.  She was 95 years old.

Kathryn was born October 2, 1927, in rural Sheboygan Falls, WI, to the late Bert and Minnie (Moeller) Kalmerton.  She attended grade schools in Sheboygan Falls, Burlington, and Weyawega.  Kathryn received her diploma from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1945.  For over 70 years, she met monthly with “the club”, a group of women from her graduating class.

Kathryn married her high school sweetheart, Thomas W. ZumMallen, on September 10, 1949, a loving marriage that thrived for nearly 60 years until his death on June 26, 2009.  They resided in Sheboygan Falls until moving to Elkhart Lake in 1967. In 1996, they moved to Sheboygan.  A devoted daughter and son-in-law, Kitty and Tom provided a loving home for her widowed mother from 1950 until her passing 28 years later.

Kitty worked in the office at the Sheboygan Falls Creamery until she was promoted to full time mom and homemaker.  Later, Kitty worked at GTE in Plymouth, retiring in 1990.  For several years after retirement, Kathryn and Tom traveled to the Southwest during the winter months to spend time at their condo in Ahwatukee, AZ.

Kathryn and Tom were always supportive of their children’s and grandchildren’s activities.  You could often find them in the bleachers of sporting events or attending band concerts.

Kathryn was a former member of Faith United Methodist Church in Sheboygan Falls, Elkhart Lake Community UCC and Zion UCC in Sheboygan. 

Survivors include her four loving children, Kathy Kreisa of Stevens Point, Karen (Terry) Lindow of Sheboygan, Mary (Randy) Meyer of Medina, OH, and William (Sandy) ZumMallen of Merton, WI. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Abigail and Meredith Kreisa of Stevens Point, Tom (Kam) Lindow of Menomonee Falls, Libby (Kary) Valley of Sheboygan, Zachary Meyer (Chelsea Smies) of Kohler, Samuel Meyer of Sheboygan, Ryan (Samantha) ZumMallen of Hartland, and Jacob (Cassy) ZumMallen of Neenah, and eight great-grandchildren, Charlie and Griffin Lindow, Benjamin and Maggie Valley, Maya and Gabi ZumMallen, and Graham and Hazel ZumMallen.  She is also survived by two special nephews, Leo (Susan) Kalmerton of Pike Lake, and Roy (Chris and the late Cindy) Kalmerton of Beaver Dam.  Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, her parents, a brother Richard (Arabelle) Kalmerton, an infant sister Edith, and an infant nephew.

Kitty’s love of crispy bacon was well-known.  She also loved playing cards with her friends and family, dining out with a good Bloody Mary or Old Fashioned, dancing, musical entertainment, watching the birds and squirrels in her yard, and vacationing in St. Germain, WI.  Kathryn’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. 

According to Kathryn's wishes, a private family graveside memorial service was held.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the aides who cared for Kitty the past few years.  A special thank you to her dear friend, Karen H., whose kindness and compassion were beyond measure.  Kitty truly loved the banter (and treats) Karen shared with her! 

Kathryn was a remarkable woman who was a devoted wife, loving mother and wonderful grandmother and great grandmother. She was dearly loved by so many.  Kathryn’s love and guidance will forever shape the lives of her children, leaving an enduring legacy of strong family values.  We will miss her so.