Kathleen J. Cherkauer (nee Buckhout) of Richfield, died on Jan. 4, 2013. She was born in Shreveport, La. on Jan. 21, 1945, to Egbert C. Buckhout and Charlotte A. Buckhout (nee Couse).

Beloved wife of Douglas S. Cherkauer. Endeared mother of Keith (Laura Bowling) Cherkauer and Scott (Erin) Cherkauer. Proud grandmother of Sam, Blake (Keith), Ian, Liam and Oliver (Scott) Cherkauer. Survived also by mother Charlotte, brothers Robert (Deborah) and David, and many nieces, nephews and step-brothers and sisters. Served also as day-care mother to numerous other youngsters.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at noon at the Phillip Funeral Home, 1420 W. Paradise Drive, West Bend, 53095. The family will greet friends Saturday at 10 a.m. until time of the service, and a light luncheon will follow the service. The family will appreciate flowers or memorials to the Richfield Historical Society, PO Box 268, Richfield, WI 53076. Kathy was one of the most warm and approachable people we have known. She was always full of life and anxious to share her verve with her family and friends. At home she enjoyed music, reading, gardening and bird-watching, and was an ardent historical preservationist, active in both Historic Milwaukee Inc. and the Richfield Historical Society. Kathy loved adventure, especially outdoors, camping, biking and hiking. In 45 years of marriage, Kathy and Doug traveled extensively in North America and Europe to pursue that adventurism.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family; (262) 338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com.