Kathy J. Wickler Speth, age 69, of Belmont, WI, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family, on Friday, June 10, 2016, after a courageous, ten-month battle with cancer.
She was born December 22, 1946, in Platteville, WI, to Burdette and Carol (Weittenhiller) Dobson. Throughout her life, Kathy had a passion for caring for others, especially the elderly. This lifelong commitment began at the age of 16, when she was a healthcare aid at the Platteville Hospital. She continued this passion while attending college, where she earned a degree as a registered nurse.
Morrison, IL, was her home for 25 years while married to her first husband, Harold Wickler, and where she was a caring mother to her two children, Deanne and Philip. While in Morrison, Kathy continued her nursing career at Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison Community Hospital, Whiteside County Jail, Dixon[, IL,] Correctional Center, and East Moline[, IL,] Correctional Center.
Kathy loved attending her children’s local sporting events and spending time with, and caring for, friends in need. She spent the last 20 years in Belmont, where she met her husband, Bart Speth. They have been happily married since 2005. While in Belmont, Kathy cherished her time as a R.N. at nursing homes and, after retirement, caring for her father, mother, and elderly friends in the community. She loved to help others and made many dear friendships throughout her life. Kathy treasured spending time with her grandchildren when they visited and also enjoyed attending their soccer, softball, and baseball games. She was an avid fan of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, rarely missing a game on TV. Kathy had a fond love of animals. She had many cherished pets in her lifetime, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and their bird, Charlie. She was a member of the Whig United Methodist Church in Platteville.
Survivors include her husband, Bart; her mother, Carol Dobson of Platteville; a daughter, Deanne (Chris) Everson of Lake Mills, WI; a son, Philip (Michele) Wickler of Cincinnati, OH; four grandchildren, Kaci and Luke Everson and Nicholas and Natalie Wickler; a brother, Marc Dobson of Green Bay, WI; her sister-in-law, Amy Speth of Hazel Green, WI.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Stacy Lynn Wickler; her father, Burdette Dobson.
Funeral Services will be held at noon on Thursday, June 16, 2016, at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville, WI, with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating.
Private burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, WI.
Friends may call from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services, Thursday, June 16, 2016, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com.