Katherine A. Holcomb

Katherine (Kathie) Anna Holcomb passed away on November 2, 2024. Kathie was born on February 21, 1934 to Wenzel and Emma (Koss) Kuba on the family farm in Mackville, Wisconsin. Growing up, Kathie loved all the cats, dogs, and Shetland ponies. The family eventually moved to Appleton where she attended St Therese School and Appleton High School. After graduation she worked at Appleton City Hall until she married. Kathie later worked as a waitress in supper clubs including the long-gone Babe Van Camps and then for over 30 years at Marks East Side (aka Chef Bills) where she lovingly cared for a faithful following of regular customers. She loved providing her family the extras that the money provided. Her children loved her tip jar in the top drawer of her dresser.

Kathie met Richard (Dick) Holcomb through friends at a dance at the Cinderella Ballroom. They married after he returned home following his Air Force service in the Korean War. Together, they raised their family and 4 dogs in a home that Richard built for them in Appleton. They enjoyed close relationships with their neighbors and forged life-long friendships. After Dick’s retirement, they enjoyed traveling, shopping, working in their yard and garden, and enjoying their grandchildren. Kathie and Dick celebrated 60 years of marriage just before he passed away in 2015. 

Kathie was preceded in death by her husband Dick, infant son Joseph, parents Wenzel and Emma Kuba, and all her siblings: Wenzel (Jim) Kuba, Charles Kuba, Antone (Tony) Kuba, Rose Ratajczak, Lillian Dresang, and Agnes Verkuilen. 

She is survived by 6 children: Gary (Lynn) Holcomb, Gail Barten, Terri Aman, Lisa Helm, Kim (Kevin) Lysne, and Kerry Holcomb. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Carly Holcomb, Cory (Katie) Holcomb, Courtney (Estin) Holcomb, Matt Barten, Emily (Tony) Lemberger, Rachel Aman, Allison (Taylor) Scarlett, Tyler (Siera) Helm, Erik Helm, Katie (Tanner) King, Karah Lysne, Alex (Megan) VanderWielen, Anna VanderWielen, and Cole VanderWielen. Additionally, she is survived by 12 great grandchildren.

Kathie lived at St. Paul Manor in Kaukauna the last 8 years after losing her memory to Alzheimer’s Disease and also received hospice care from AseraCare. She never lost her favorite early memories, love for family and pets, or sense of humor. Her children are grateful for the dedicated staff of both organizations which provided her comfort and care as her diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease progressed. 

Kathie is now at peace, home with her love “Dickie”, her son Joseph, and all those she loved that have preceded her in death.

A Funeral Service for Kathie will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the service. Kathie will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton.

In lieu of flowers her family will be establishing a memorial fund at a later date.

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