Kathleen (Kathy) Frances Waranius
Kathleen (Kathy) Frances Waranius gently stepped into the next world on July 10, 2026 at St. Frances Home in Fond du Lac where she had been a resident for the past 10 months.
Kathy was born on October 1, 1954 in Menominee, MI to Daniel G. and Gladys R. (Kopecky) Waranius. She spent her childhood in Carney and Stephenson, MI; Lombard, IL; and Fond du Lac, WI. Kathy was the middle of 3 children. She joined in the antics of older brother, Daniel N.(Sharon), and younger sister, Carol. They had fun!
Kathy was proceeded in death by her parents, brother, aunts and uncles. She is survived by her sister, Carol, Sister-in Law, Sharon, nephews Matt (Carmen Cusak), Joe (Britt), and Zach (Kayla). She is further survived by her cousins Caroline Cappaert, Jean Kraemer, Ed (Lolita) Anders, and Maret Thorpe. She leaves behind her beloved kitty, Ellie Mae Lou Jean-Bob Lillian Wiggle-Butt Twinkle toes.
Following graduation from Goodrich High School in 1972, Kathy moved to Milwaukee, WI to attend Patricia Stevens Finishing School, Fashion Merchandising track, where she first grew to love ballet and the “finer things” in life. She discovered she was a city girl at heart!
Her working years were spent at the public library in Houston, Texas serving in various departments – Reference, Arts and Humanities. Here she enjoyed the arts Huston had to offer – ballet, symphony, concerts and plays. And she read, oh how she read! Books, especially historical fiction and cozy mysteries. She left notebooks full of books to be read. Magazines, especially The Economist and The New Yorker.
Kathy enjoyed her trips to NYC to see plays on Broadway and shop. She attended annual conferences of fine miniatures usually in Chicago or NYC and built a fine collection of miniature “rooms.”
She took a river cruise to the Christmas Markets in Germany. She accompanied Mom on a trip to London and Czechoslovakia. There was a cruise for Mom’s 80th birthday. It was on this cruise that sister-in-law, Sharon discovered Kathy’s delightful sense of humor. Kathy had a generous spirit and never failed to bring back treasures to share with family.
Following retirement, Kathy moved to Milwaukee and then came back to Fond du Lac where she enjoyed working with Mom in the gardens. She would happily plant the Spring flowers with a command to “grow, baby, grow.” She also enjoyed many day trips with Mom and Carol.
In her later years she enjoyed being with the local Baha’i community. Especially the refreshments and hugs! One of her greatest joys was shopping trips to Appleton with Carol and our dear friend, Janine, proceeded by a beverage from Starbucks. Those women could shop!
All in all, a life well lived with love and laughter. She will be missed.
Per Kathy’s wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no service. Prayers from the local Baha’i community were said for the progress of her soul.
“O my God, Thy Trust hath been returned unto Thee. It behooveth Thy grace and Thy bounty that have compassed Thy dominions on earth and in heaven, to vouch safe unto Thy newly welcomed one Thy gifts and Thy bestowals, and the fruits of the tree of Thy grace! -Baha’u’llah”
Special thanks to our Visiting Angel, Jen, Hospice, and the staff at St Frances Home, especially Julie, Kayla, Adam and Val.