Kathy Glassel

Age 61, of Shorewood, WI, was born to eternal life on March 22, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family and holding the hand of the love of her life, Brian Glassel.

Born on September 21, 1963, in Milwaukee, WI, Kathy was the daughter of Beverly and the late Hugh Thompson. She spent her childhood with her siblings, Julie Thompson and Hugh Jr. (Marci) Thompson. Kathy graduated from St. Mary’s Academy, where she excelled in volleyball and swimming and laid the foundation for a life filled with love, joy, and adventure.

Kathy’s life journey took her across the United States as she embraced her role as an Air Force wife, while married to Dr. Christopher Budny. They were stationed in San Antonio, Texas, followed by Fayetteville, North Carolina, where her son, Ryan, was born. The family then moved to Dayton, Ohio, where they welcomed twins, Patrick and Alison. Eventually, Kathy and her family settled in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, where she spent the next chapter of her life raising her children and creating a beautiful home.

Kathy enjoyed a fulfilling career as a respiratory therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital and later as a special education assistant at Parkview Elementary School in Cedarburg. While she enjoyed her jobs, she always shared that the greatest job in the world was raising her children. She was the most devoted mother to Ryan (Patra) Budny, Dr. Patrick (Kaitlyn) Budny, and Ali Budny. Later she fully embraced the role of a loving bonus mom to Alexa (Brian) Thiet, Micki (Brandon) Mantz, and Matt (Lauren) Glassel.

On January 27, 2018, Kathy married Brian Glassel, her soulmate and the love of her life. Together, they created a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. They made the most of every moment together whether it be traveling to Hawaii, China, the tops of 14ers in Colorado, or just down the street to their favorite Menards. They loved spending their winters in Arizona, but always looked forward to returning home to their greatest adventure- their family.

Kathy’s joy continued as she embraced her favorite role as proud Nana to her grandchildren: Evelyn, Amelia, and Henry Budny, and Sienna, Eva, and baby boy Thiet. Her enthusiasm for life was unmatched, and she brought immeasurable joy to her family.

Kathy also cherished being an aunt to countless nieces and nephews, leaving behind a legacy of love and fun. Her family fondly recalls holiday gatherings and annual trips to Squaw Lake, where Kathy simply loved being surrounded by her extended family.

She was known for her incomparable ability to host family gatherings and was always the life of the party, often with a gin and tonic in hand. Kathy also loved a good party theme (including a custom decorated birthday cake), giving the most thought-filled gifts, and found every reason to celebrate life.

When she wasn’t hosting or celebrating, Kathy brought energy and enthusiasm to everything she did. She was a passionate fitness instructor at Real Health & Fitness in Cedarburg, where her infectious energy earned her the nickname “Crazy Kathy”. She was always on the go, and if you wanted to walk with her, be prepared to jog to catch up!

Kathy’s other favorite people were her close-knit group of friends, known as “The Crazy Eights”, with whom she shared laughter, travel, and countless cherished memories. Her presence will be especially missed on the pickleball court, golf course, and happy hours on the patio in Arizona.

Kathy lived her life with the motto of “Live Large, Love Large.” Her legacy will live on through the love she gave and the example she set for all who knew her. Though she left this world far too soon, her spirit will forever be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Thomas More Catholic Church Choir in Glendale, AZ.

A celebration of life service will be held on April 4, 2025, at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, 12300 W Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, WI 53130, at 5 PM. A visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 3:30 PM. Family and friends are invited to a dinner following the service.

www.heritagefuneral.com