PORTAGE - Kathryn J. Paske, 83, of Portage, died Saturday, June 13, 2009, at her home.

Kathryn was born Feb. 22, 1926, in the township of Ashford, Campbellsport, the daughter of Lawrence and Barbara Muellenbach Strobel.

It was Kathryn's wish not to write the usual obituary with a list of accomplishments, memberships and awards. Instead, Kate wanted to remind us of how fragile life is and to celebrate Kate's life by living ours to the fullest and enjoying each moment: enjoying simple things such as the birds' song, flowers, the stars, the moon, rain and the change of seasons. She also enjoyed music, singing, good books, poetry, cards and laughter - good friends. These things and most of all her caring and loving family.

She is survived by her children, Mina (Raymond W.) Drause of Simpsonville, S.C., Jeffrey (Kelli) Stolen of Saukville, James Stolen of Cudahy, Karl Stolen of Waukesha, and Kirk (Marie) Stolen of San Diego; her brothers, Hilmer Strobel of Neosho, and Cornelius Strobel of Sussex; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; other near relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald "Pete" Paske; brothers and sisters, Joseph Strobel, Alice Joyce, Dolores Marek, George Strobel and Mae Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with Father Jim Murphy presiding. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in St. Paul's Cemetery in Caledonia Township. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Cemetery.