She was born on Sept. 4, 1948, in La Crosse, the only child of Joseph and Catherine (Roubik) O’Connor.

She was the third generation to live in her house, where she has always lived. She was very active in her neighborhood association and worked at the South Side Neighborhood Center.  She graduated from Aquinas High School in 1966 and Viterbo in 1970 with a bachelors of science in elementary education and minor in music.  She began her 42-year career at Blessed Sacrament School in 1970 and educated multiple generations of students in grades 4 to 6.  She was a “master teacher,” having taught many students as well as student teachers. She was recognized as the Diocesan ‘Teacher of the Year’ in 1995.  Kathy was teacher in charge (assistant principal) for more than half of her career.  She was known for her arts and crafts, love of Disney, and she was the master of Simon Says. Her favorite subject was Wisconsin History, Circus World in which she taught her students how to juggle.

 

She is survived by many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for Kathy in her final days

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A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The Rev. Rick Roberts and the Rev. Steven Kachel will concelebrate. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m., where a rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m., and again at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. An online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.