Kathleen E. Lee

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Lee (Hetzel), who died peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by family at home.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love and devotion, including her husband of 72 years, Richard Lee, along with her seven children, eleven grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. Her life was a testament to family, faith, and enduring commitment, and she will be remembered for the warmth, strength, and care she gave to all who knew her.

Kathleen enjoyed family gatherings, playing cards, bowling, sewing, crocheting, baking and working beside dad as they took on many renovations to their home, sometimes the same room twice. She continued Grandma Hetzel’s shopping tradition, which began as a Southridge shopping day with cousins, to an Appleton shopping weekend with her daughters, grand-daughters and great grand-children. While she has not joined us in a few years, we continue the tradition of taking over a whole corner of the pool atrium, dining out, a little shopping, but most importantly family time.

Kathleen was the loving mother of Sue (the late Bruce) Pendzich, Pam (David) Kostowicz, Tom (Karen) Lee, Cheryl (the late Tom Downs), Jim, Mary Kay and Linda (Scott Uhlman). Proud grandmother of Mark (Kara) Pendzich, Nicole (David) Uttke, Joanne (Jeff) Volm, Katie (Matt) Levine, Tom (Heather) Lee, Carrie Lee, Samantha (Patrick) Donoghue, Elizabeth (Miles) Hibbs, Michael Pendzich, Stephanie Kostowicz and Joshua (Nicole Haefner) Downs. Delighted great-grandmother of Bryce, Blake, David, Zackery, Matthew, Haley, Morgan, Layla, Tristan, Adelaide, Alexandra, Colton, Jaxson, Louise, Theodore, Kathryn, Milo, Maks and Emmalee. She is further survived by nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents: Norbert and Verna Hetzel (Brickler); mother and father-in-law, Allan and Agnes Lee; brothers Eugene (Ione) Hetzel and Ralph (the late Dolly) Hetzel. Brother-in-law David (the late Carol) Lee, sister-in-law Patricia (the late William Jelinski) and nieces Cathy Hetzel-Yogerst and Patty Jelinski.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, April 16 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 1441 West Oakwood Road in Oak Creek. 9:00 a.m. visitation, Mass at 11:00 a.m.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

NOTE: This obituary is the property of Heritage Funeral Homes and is published here with permission from the family. If you are viewing it on any website other than www.heritagefuneral.com, please be aware it has been copied without consent and may not reflect the most accurate or complete information.

4 Comments

Tony Sisinni April 13, 2026 at 1:24 pm - Reply

My deepest condolences to the whole family. I have many fond memories of your mother through my youth. I look back and realize what a always strong and supportive person she was to all in her orbit, and she was baker!!! (Her lemon bars were my fav)
Rest in Mrs Lee
Terri Mahsem April 16, 2026 at 9:32 am - Reply

I have many fond memories of
Bowling tournaments, couples bowling when Kathleen and Richard would be subs, working at Little Traditions with Kathleen, plus the many family gatherings Memorial Day and Labor Day parties, weddings, showers she was always fun and happy to share time with family and friends.
Helen Seidelman April 16, 2026 at 10:45 am - Reply

My condolences to the Lee family.
What a glorious well lived life. Many years of marriage to Richard raising a family of very loving wonderful children and great/grand children.
Job well done Kathleen enjoy your heavenly rest!
Michael Jelinski April 18, 2026 at 1:47 am - Reply

Kathleen, my Aunt Kathleen was really a super lady, she always got a smile from everyone she met. My mother Patricia Ann became friends with her for a way long time. My father married Richards sister Patricia Ann in June of 1973. And when I was married the first, Aunt Kathleen offered my new wife and I to stay at her house for one night before we really started on that honeymoon. She would give the shirt of her back if needed. I remember being at her house when I was still in HS. Kathleen was also so giving a person. I can’t remember much more, I’m in my 70″s now and I cannot remember a whole lot. Once you get a good feeling meeting with someone you always get a goof feeling and that is what sticks to your heart. Same goes with Uncle Richard. I met him at the last family reunion and him and I sat down on a picnic bench and had conversation for over an hour. I hope he can deal with this, I know I had a hard time to adjusting to the loss of my first wife. My wish is for my Uncle Richard and all his sons and daughters come just a little closer, they will because they are all a loving family. Sorry I’m so long winded here. My love to Uncle Richard and all my cousins Love Mike Jelinski and family.
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