WAUKESHA

Kathleen J. Smith (nee Fredricks)

Feb. 15, 1929 – Jan. 6, 2011


Kathleen J. Smith (nee Fredricks) of Waukesha died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 81. Kathleen was born in Waukesha on Feb. 15, 1929, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Voelz) Fredricks.

She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Loren Smith, on April 26, 1952. Kathleen was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waukesha, where she taught Sunday school. She was also the financial secretary and was an adviser for the Luther League. In the early years, she was employed by Fox Head Brewery, the Avalon Coffee Shop and Coachlight Inn, but her true occupation was raising her six children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed being at Road America with her family to watch the Champ Car races and could tell you the score to any sporting event.

Kathleen will be deeply missed by her children, Philip Smith, Marsha Smith, Karen Smith, Todd (Cindy) Smith, Fred (Linda Graebner-Smith) and Laura Smith; grandchildren, Adam Smith, Eric (Erica) Theel, Elizabeth Smith and Becky Graebner; and loving sisters, Irene Ladish and Carol Mueller. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Loren, and a brother, Charles Fredricks.
Visitation will be held from 1:30 a.m. until the 4 p.m. funeral service Sunday, Jan. 9, at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha. The Rev. Larry Smith will officiate. Burial will be Monday, Jan. 10, at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha (meet at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, at 11:30 a.m. Procession departs at 12:15 p.m. for the 12:30 p.m. burial).

Memorials are appreciated to the family to be given to the charity of their choice at a later date.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For the online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.WaukeshasFuneralHome.com or call 542-6609.