Kathleen ‘Katie’ Mary Hales

Kathleen “Katie” Mary Hales, 82, of Granton, Wis., passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the Marshfield Health Services Nursing Home in Marshfield, Wis.

Kathleen was the daughter of Roscoe and Iris (Gundlach) Biddick, born on February 23, 1939, in Livingston, Wis. She was baptized in 1950 at Bashford Methodist Church in Madison, Wis., and later reaffirmed her baptism at Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton in 1962.

She received her education through the Madison School System, graduating from Madison East High School in 1957. She then attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and graduated in 1961. While participating in a freshman “social dance” class, she met the love of her life: Albert “Bert” Hales. They were united in marriage on December 16, 1961, at Bashford Methodist Church.

Kathleen taught school at Marshall Elementary. After the birth of her daughter, Grace, in 1963, Katie and Bert moved back to Granton to take over the family farm. She was a very devoted and loving wife and mother of five.

Katie was an active member of Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton and friend of York Center Methodist Church. She taught Sunday and Bible School for many years. She was involved with the Ladies Aid (W/ELCA) and held various positions. She helped serve many dinners and was on the “150th Anniversary” Committee of the church. She was a member of the Granton FFA Alumni and New York Homemakers.

In 1984, Katie became an “elf” working for Figis Gifts Inc. and continued working there until June 2015.

Katie, like her husband, enjoyed the simple things of life. She enjoyed cooking, baking, nature, listening to old country music, going to musicals, playing dominoes, card games, putting puzzles together and being with her children and grandchildren and always putting others’ needs first before hers.

Survivors include her children: Grace (Clark Ritter), Plainfield, Wis.; Jay, Granton; Eileen (Iyron Handke Jr.); Granton; Sonya (Ken) Brookhart, Granton; and Joel (Frankie Sides) New Bern, N.C. Her grandchildren: Josh (Gillian) Irwin, Plainfield; Emma Mae Brookhart, Granton and her sister, Betty (Bob) Moore, Dousman, Wis. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bert (October 30, 2009), her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 27, at the Zion American Lutheran Church in Granton. Pastor Daniel Zimmerman will officiate. Music will be provided by Shelby Niskanen, organist. Interment will be in the Windfall Cemetery in Granton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday at the Zion American Lutheran Church. A livestream of Katie’s funeral service can be seen at www.geschefh.com beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Katie’s family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.