Kathryn “Kate” Friedrich, age 94 of Monroe passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the SSM Health Hospice Home. She was born on January 13, 1932 the daughter of Wilbert and Mae (Lutz) Trotter. She graduated from Juda High School in 1949 and went on to graduate from the Green County Teachers college in 1951. On August 16, 1952 Kate married Stanley E. Whithead in Juda. After the death of Stanley, she married Alvin Fredrich on December 23, 1993.
Kate over the years, wore many different hats. She worked as a school teacher in Spring Grove from 1951 to 1953. From 1970-1980 Kate and her husband owned Bluffview Park. She was also involved in the trucking business with her husband, Stanley, from 1952 until his death in 1986. Following his passing, she served as president of the trucking company from 1986 until her retirement in 1996. In 1991, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 women-owned businesses in Wisconsin.
Kate had many hobbies, including ceramics, cake making and decorating, putting together puzzles, reading, playing cards, golfing, and bowling. Traveling brought her great joy, and she explored destinations all over the world, including Europe, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Jamaica, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Russia, the Bahamas, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England, Italy, and France, as well as all 50 U.S. states. She also enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, camping, and driving her yellow Model A.
Kate is survived by her children, Debra (Dennis) Stoneback and Deanne (Leslie) Rasmussen; grandchildren, Jessica (James) Grunder of Monroe, Brandi Camron of Beloit, Jennifer Kramer of Brooklyn, Christina (Kevin) Foley of Monroe, Nickolas (Angie) Rasmussen of Monroe, Shawn (Kristin) Weeden of Monticello, and Shannon Schwartz of New Glarus; great-grandchildren, Ryan Stoneback, Kirstin Rood, Taylor Kramer, Austin Kramer, Lindsey Kramer, Conner Foley, Colin Foley, Addison Foley, Hailey Rasmussen, Hannah Rasmussen, Brent Weeden, Brock Weeden, Hutcher Schwartz, Lexi Fuchs, and Austin Fuchs; two great-great grandchildren, Clara Mae and Jacob; and many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Stanley Whitehead and Alvin Friedrich; daughter, Darlene (Richard) Weeden; sisters, Darlene Trotter and Elaine Kingston; brothers, Billy Trotter, Charles Trotter, and Nathan Trotter; and grandson-in-law, Nick Kramer.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM noon at St. John’s United Church of Christ with Reverend Todd Hackman officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.
Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
