GRATIOT - Kathleen "Katie" Elizabeth (Long) Herbst, age 84 of Gratiot, WI and formerly of Darlington, died on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Monroe surrounded by her family on the day before Halloween, her favorite holiday. Katie was born in Fayette Township, WI on July 25, 1924, the daughter of James and Catherine "Babe" (McAloon) Long. She married the love of her life, LaVerne Herbst on Jan. 20, 1947. He preceded her in death on September 19, 1996. She and LaVerne farmed together in rural Gratiot until 1979 when they moved to town. Her final days were spent in love and comfort with her family and friends, and mostly her two daughters, Mary Pat and Lisa, who shared her sense of humor and she lovingly joked with and picked on regularly. They were there for her always and the three of them were the best of friends.
Katie was loved by many neighbors and friends, but found true solace in spending time with her eight children, 26 grandchildren and her 21 (soon-to-be 23) great-grandchildren. Grandma loved Halloween and all of the children who would come to her home, cooking for her family and mostly, teaching others the most important thing in life: how to love. Many saw her as their own grandmother, and she loved each of her grandchildren the same. She had a true servant's heart, which was expressed in many deeds of kindness and caring for people and children. The large number of people who often filled grandma's home was a testament to her warm, welcoming nature. Her greatest accomplishment is a family that loves to be together. Grandma loved to talk about anything, and regularly shared stories about her past. She never forgot anyone's birthday and never let a joke or comment pass her by. Katie was a devoted Catholic all of her life and admired Pope John Paul II. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gratiot.
Katie is survived by her children: Joe (Nancy) Herbst of Browntown, Mike (Dianne) Herbst of Warren, Ill., Herb (Marlene) Herbst of Gratiot, Mary Pat (Mark Davis) Richel of Orangeville, Ill.; Chuck (Christy) Herbst, Russell "Dick" Herbst, Pat Herbst, Lisa (Mark) Taft, all of Gratiot; her 26 grandchildren, her 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Darlene (Jerry) Fogel of Cudahay, Bob (Clara) Long and Kenneth Long, both of Darlington, Tom (Shirley) Long of Waukesha; a special cousin, Betty Parkinson, Darlington; and a special friend, Dawne Milestone of Shullsburg.
Katie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, LaVerne; her son, Tommy Herbst, who died in infancy; her granddaughter, Carrie Herbst, on March 4, 2005; and her brothers: Joe, Lawerence, John and Frank Long.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH in Darlington, WI with Fr. Randy Budnar and Fr. David Wanish officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008 at STEIL CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 206 E. Harriet Street, Darlington, WI, where a Rosary Service will be held at 3 p.m. Because Halloween was her favorite holiday, all trick-or-treaters are welcome to stop by for candy during the visitation.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who took care of Kathleen and all the staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe Clinic, and Liberty Dialysis Center for their kind care and compassion.
www.darlingtonfuneralhome.com
608-776-2461
Katie was loved by many neighbors and friends, but found true solace in spending time with her eight children, 26 grandchildren and her 21 (soon-to-be 23) great-grandchildren. Grandma loved Halloween and all of the children who would come to her home, cooking for her family and mostly, teaching others the most important thing in life: how to love. Many saw her as their own grandmother, and she loved each of her grandchildren the same. She had a true servant's heart, which was expressed in many deeds of kindness and caring for people and children. The large number of people who often filled grandma's home was a testament to her warm, welcoming nature. Her greatest accomplishment is a family that loves to be together. Grandma loved to talk about anything, and regularly shared stories about her past. She never forgot anyone's birthday and never let a joke or comment pass her by. Katie was a devoted Catholic all of her life and admired Pope John Paul II. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gratiot.
Katie is survived by her children: Joe (Nancy) Herbst of Browntown, Mike (Dianne) Herbst of Warren, Ill., Herb (Marlene) Herbst of Gratiot, Mary Pat (Mark Davis) Richel of Orangeville, Ill.; Chuck (Christy) Herbst, Russell "Dick" Herbst, Pat Herbst, Lisa (Mark) Taft, all of Gratiot; her 26 grandchildren, her 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Darlene (Jerry) Fogel of Cudahay, Bob (Clara) Long and Kenneth Long, both of Darlington, Tom (Shirley) Long of Waukesha; a special cousin, Betty Parkinson, Darlington; and a special friend, Dawne Milestone of Shullsburg.
Katie is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, LaVerne; her son, Tommy Herbst, who died in infancy; her granddaughter, Carrie Herbst, on March 4, 2005; and her brothers: Joe, Lawerence, John and Frank Long.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH in Darlington, WI with Fr. Randy Budnar and Fr. David Wanish officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008 at STEIL CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 206 E. Harriet Street, Darlington, WI, where a Rosary Service will be held at 3 p.m. Because Halloween was her favorite holiday, all trick-or-treaters are welcome to stop by for candy during the visitation.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who took care of Kathleen and all the staff at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe Clinic, and Liberty Dialysis Center for their kind care and compassion.
www.darlingtonfuneralhome.com
608-776-2461