Obituary of Kathleen J. Smith

Kathleen J. Smith (nee Fredricks) Of Waukesha, died on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 81. Kathleen was born in Waukesha on February 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 long-time member of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waukesha, where she taught Sunday School. She was also the Financial Secretary and was an advisor 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; Loving sisters, Irene Ladish and Carol Mueller. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Loren, and brother, Charles Fredricks. The funeral service for Kathleen will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188. The Reverend Larry Smith will officiate. The visitation will be held on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until the 4:00 p.m. service at the church. Burial on Monday, January 10, at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha (meet at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m., 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha - 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.