Kathleen L. Burton

Kathleen L. Burton of Minocqua She lived her life trying always to provide love and comfort and assurance to her children. Her legacy will be that she did so even to the very last moments of her life. Kathy Burton left us in body on May 29 at the age of 89 surrounded by her family. She was born a first generation American of Czech immigrants on a dairy farm in rural Barron County on April 15, 1926. She was the only child in her grade through elementary school. Following graduation from Rice Lake High School she began work at Badger Ordnance in Baraboo. Men away at war were provided the ammunition to free the world of tyranny by young women across America, loving and encouraging hand written notes added to the crates sent out. Following the war, she remained in Madison, unsure of where life would lead her. Her father’s ill health meant moving back to help out on the farm. Once back in Barron County, she met a young WW II veteran and married. Kathy and Ken moved to Minocqua in 1955. Loving and caring for six children would truly define the rest of her life. As the nest began to empty, Kathy ventured outside her home to work for the Town of Minocqua. With encouragement from friends, she was elected Town Treasurer. She loved the work and so enjoyed her interaction with office staff and residents. Following her last term in office, she retired to her home on Manitou Park Road spending time reading and writing. Grandchildren provided a new opportunity for her passion to dote over children. Kathy is again united with parents, John and Kathryn Pakosta, brother John, and husband Kenneth. She is survived by sons, Dave (Kathie) Burton of Arbor Vitae, Jeff (Maggie) Burton of Egg Harbor City, NJ, daughters, Deb (Russ) Kopp of Lac du Flambeau, Joan (Paul) Buckholz of Fond du Lac, Diane (Rich) Aschaker of Oakfield, Stacey Burton, and "adopted children" Jeff and Leigh Ashe of Minocqua. She is further survived by six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, by close friend Sr. Teresa Schueller, by neighbors on Manitou Park Road and by wonderful friends in her Franciscan faith community. Her family wishes to thank the medical staff at HYMC and the incredible staff at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff for their compassionate care and integrity. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff on Thursday, June 4, 2015.

Kathleen L. Burton

April 15, 1926 - May 29, 2015