Kathleen Kuettel

Kathleen "Kathy" Vale Kuettel returned home to our loving creator November 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. 

Kathy grew up in upper rural Wisconsin, the fourth of 10 kids, born to Howard and Edith McKendry, nee Hamilton. An independent, free and fierce spirit from the start, she loved the outdoors and, especially, animals, music, movement, and laughter. 

She spent her childhood raising her younger siblings, running through the woods, climbing trees, singing with her sisters, and watching thunderstorms roll in. With the help of family, she learned guitar and began writing songs. Later she taught herself piano and passed her passion for music onto all of her children. 

In 1958, she married Wilfred Kuettel, building a life together filled with adventure, creativity, and the challenges that come with a modest income and raising five very different, strong-willed children. Kathy often quipped, “You kids are as stubborn as your father”… while all of us know that it also came from the tenacity and obstinacy of their 5'1" fighting-Irish mother! 

Together with Will, and kids in tow, they built a home, restored a historic farmhouse, and discovered a love of antiquing. Kathy's artistry also extended to sewing, cooking, and eventually stained glass, where she thrived at Studio One Art Glass as a designer, teacher, and friend. Her stained glass designs are still being produced today. Those creations and her friendship with Kim and Audrey Kostuch remained among her most cherished memories. 

After retiring, Kathy poured her energy into gardening, walking with her loyal dogs, sketching, and puzzles. Above all, she treasured time with her family and grandchildren, who will remember her inner strength, her laughter, her pancakes, and the beauty she brought into her surroundings and every day life. 

Kathy was called home by her beloved husband Will and joins her parents, along with her siblings Phil (the late Vern) McKendry, Delores (the late Bob) Keyes, and Randy McKendry, who preceded her in death. She is survived by six siblings: Lorri Hintz, Brad (the late Peggy) McKendry, Grant (Carol) McKendry, Jackie Cobey, Darlene (Jeff) Sabo, and Cheryl Sue McKendry; her five children: Kurt (Holly), Wade, Kelly, Craig (Jeanine) Kuettel, and Kimberly (Jim) Hoffmann; proud grandmother of eight: Brandt, Lauren (Phil), Corrin (Chris), Lilah, Carter, Courtney, Jeff (Kori), and Danny; her great granddaughter, Aurora; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy's family would like to thank her wonderful neighbors for all the help and support they gave her over the years, all of those who cared for her during her last years, and all of those who thought of, prayed for, and asked about her often, as well. Kathy was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 9:30 am to 11 am, immediately followed by a memorial service, at Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home, 700 Milwaukee Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI, 53172. A luncheon will follow. Details will be provided at the conclusion of the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to one of Kathy's favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Wisconsin Humane Society, The Wounded Warrior Project or your favorite charity for the support of our veterans, or to a charity supporting research of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.