Kathleen “Kathie” Lemiesz, 69, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 8, 2026, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Kathie was born on April 23, 1957, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Ed and Bonnie (Rehl) Anderson. During her childhood, the family moved to Michigan while her father attended graduate school in Lansing. After he earned his doctorate, the family settled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where Kathie graduated from Oshkosh West High School and then met the love of her life.
On September 24, 1977, Kathie married Dan Lemiesz. Together they built a life centered on love, family and caring for others. They recently celebrated 48 years of marriage. In retirement, Kathie and Dan enjoyed living the snowbird lifestyle between Wisconsin and Florida for a brief time before health concerns changed their plans. They eventually returned full-time to their retirement dream home in Hancock, Wisconsin, lovingly built by Dan.
Kathie had a lifelong passion for caring for others. She began her career at Mercy Medical Center and later spent many years working in the private sector providing compassionate care for elderly individuals. Her nurturing spirit and selfless nature touched the lives of many.
In 1982, Kathie and Dan welcomed their daughter, Mandy, who quickly became the center of Kathie’s world. She devoted herself to being a full-time mother, spending countless hours driving to gymnastics practices, dance classes, softball games and every activity imaginable. She treasured every moment supporting Mandy’s dreams and adventures. During those years, she also served as a Co-Brownie Troop Leader, creating lasting memories for many young girls.
Family was always Kathie’s greatest joy. She and Dan cherished time spent at their cabin and making trips back and forth to Florida, which became a second home—especially after Mandy relocated there. Whether at the cabin, on the road, or surrounded by loved ones, Kathie created a lifetime of treasured memories.
Beyond her devoted family, Kathie was blessed with a lifelong friendship that began shortly after moving to Oshkosh. Her best friend, Cindy Froehlich, became much more than a friend—she became family. Few people are fortunate enough to experience a friendship as enduring and meaningful as theirs. The Lemiesz family extends their deepest gratitude to Cindy for her unwavering love, support, and friendship throughout the years, especially during recent challenges. Her presence has been an immeasurable gift.
Kathie is survived by her loving husband, Dan Lemiesz; her daughter, Mandy Lemiesz and her fiancé Ryan Simmons of Largo, Florida; and her brother, Mike (Nancy) Anderson of Louisa, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Bonnie Anderson.
A small private family gathering has been held to celebrate Kathie’s life. Cremation has taken place.
Kathie will be remembered for her kind heart, her devotion to family, her compassion for others, and the love she shared so freely throughout her life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society in her honor.