Kathy Barth

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Kathleen Ann Barth (Kathy). Kathy was born on January 29, 1949, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Ralph and Anna Belle (Gassen) Bauer.

Kathy was raised in Neillsville, where she attended St. Mary's Catholic School from grades 1-8, before graduating from Neillsville High School. She then attended Western Wisconsin Technical College, earning an associate degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Kathy's lifelong dedication to caring for others began immediately after earning her degree, as she started nursing at Memorial Hospital in Neillsville from 1969 to 1973.

In the summer of 1969, Kathy met the love of her life, Robert J. Barth (Bob). They were united in marriage on August 22, 1970, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Together, they raised a family of seven beautiful children: David, Douglas, Brian, Jeffrey, Regan, Julie, and Chelsea. After the birth of their second child, Kathy left the medical field to dedicate herself fully to her family, a calling she was created for and that she clutched onto with so much love and commitment.

Kathy's greatest passion was her family, and her unwavering loyalty was always directed toward them. She cherished moments spent sewing, cooking, baking, having picnics at the beach, and taking her grandchildren to the waterpark. She created special memories for her children, with simple joys like muffin tin lunches and lovingly prepared family meals. Kathy also delighted in gardening, canning, crafting, and creating beautiful sea glass art for those she loved so dearly.

Kathy was a dedicated member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving as a cantor in the church choir, a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), a CCD teacher, and even a tour guide and decorator at the Tufts Museum. She found joy in commemorating loved ones with heartfelt poems and letters and humorously helped her grandchildren with their spelling by creating some amusing, inappropriate mnemonic devices.

Additionally, Kathy worked at Sniteman's Pharmacy as a clerk and window decorator, where her artistic talents and creativity were displayed for the town to admire.

Kathy loved traveling, especially on historical trips and tours to places like Gettysburg, the Biltmore Estate, Germany, Ireland, and Italy. She cherished any family outing, particularly camping trips. Her sense of humor and love for her family were constants throughout her life. She was known for her meticulous cleanliness-famously taking three showers a day-and had often joked that she would have the last word in this life by writing her own obituary.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband Bob and their five children: David Barth of Marshfield, Jamie Dewalt of Neillsville, Brian (Jenny) Barth of Neillsville, Regan (Jamie) Barth of Neillsville, Julie (Leah Jee) Barth of Franklin, and Chelsea (Joey) Viars of Neillsville. She is also survived by her siblings: Michael (Debbie) Bauer of Hartford, MaryJane (Steve) Mabie of Neillsville, and Patrick (Trish) Bauer of Reedsburg; as well as her grandchildren: Ravyn, Trevor, Brittney, Brady, Skylar, Jaden, Gavin, Luke, Gunnar, McKendy, Madison, Elliana, and Everly. Kathy had deep, lasting friendships with many, including Georgianna (Barth) Michalski, Ann (Sternitzky) Barth, Sandy (Barth) Schmitz, & Maureen Heier.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Anna Belle, her father-in-law, Robert M. Barth, and her beloved sons, Jeffrey and Douglas Barth.

The sun has set on an extraordinary life. Kathy's spirit will continue to uplift and inspire us. Her song has ended, but the melody lives on. Her memories will be our blessings, and we will carry forward her legacy of love and kindness in all we do. As you continue to worship Jesus in heaven, dear Kathy, your light will shine eternally in our hearts. Kathy, if you could see them now, you'd be proud; they'll spend many nights under the pink skies you taught them to appreciate...

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be the Reverend Father Greg Michaud. Music will be provided by Rebekah Lehn, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. A livestream of Kathy's Funeral Mass can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 26th.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Kathy's name may be directed to her family for designation at a later date.

"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Kathy's family with funeral arrangements.