Katherine Liddell passed away in her home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Kathy was born on August 7, 1945, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Edward Kortens and Gladys Leland. Raised on the Kortens family farm, Kathy grew to love and nurture all creatures big and small.

At 19, Kathy met the love of her life Loren Liddell at Manitowoc County Teachers College. Kathy was always an A student and graduated consistently at the top of her class. Kathy loved learning. She often said, "An education is priceless, it is the one thing no one can take away from you." Kathy was a hard worker, often holding multiple jobs. While teaching with her 2-year degree from MCTC and waitressing on the weekends, she went on to complete her bachelor's from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Kathy and Loren married in 1966 and after teaching in central Wisconsin, they finally settled working in the Grafton Public Schools.

Kathy became a reading specialist working with kids who struggled and giving each one of them her all, helping them believe in themselves no matter what. Over the years, students would often come back and tell her that without her help they would not be who they were today. Kathy was always modest and made a point of reminding each student how special they were and letting them know that they did the work, not her. Kathy went on to earn three master's degrees in Public Instruction, Advanced Education and Administration. In 1973, Kathy and Loren built their dream home in Cedarburg, where Kathy raised their family and Siamese kittens for over 30 years.

Kathy was a member of the Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) and served on the executive committee and vendor board for many years. Kathy was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and wife. She always knew how to have a good time, and her infectious laugh filled every room she entered.

Kathy and Loren had a special bond, and each drove the other to be the most successful version of themselves that they could be. They had adorable pet names Kitty and Tiger that began in their early love letters to each other. After her Tiger's passing in March of 2024, Kitty said nothing felt the same. Regrettably, her own health that has been a challenge for years, began to decline even further. She passed away, just four days after celebrating her 79th Birthday.

Kathy is survived by her loving daughter Alice Wise (Girlie), who was her biggest advocate in all her health struggles. Her son-in-law Steve Wise, loving granddaughter Anika and dearest grandson Niko. She is survived by her sister Janet (Dick) Grochoski, loving sister-in-law Judy (Gene) Buesing, dear nephew Kevin (Alona) Buesing, dearest neice Karen (Kevin) Flynn.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, son Allen Liddell, brother Bobby, and Danny, and sister Mary.

Kathy had many nieces and nephews Kari, Kenny, Mark, Jake, Jena, Josh, Jed, Emily, Eric, Peter, Toni, Jesse and Dan.

She will be sorely missed by all her who knew and loved her. Including her former teaching friends and Delta sorority sisters.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Katherine's life will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg, 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012. The family will receive visitors from 12:00 Noon until the time of the service at 1:00PM. A luncheon to follow.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Aurora St. Luke's Heart Failure Team, Ameda Home Health and Heartland Hospice.