Kathleen “Kay” Ann Hettig departed this life on Friday, August 31, 2018, at the age of 91 in Mequon WI. She was born on November 23, 1926 to Michael and Theresa (Waistock) Hettig in Green Bay WI and was the second of six daughters. Growing up she enjoyed the Girl Scouts, swimming and spending time at the Gun and Canoe Club. Kay attended St Francis Xavier Cathedral School and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1944. She received a BS in Physical Education and General Science from the Wisconsin State Teachers College at La Crosse (currently UW-Lacrosse) and later an MA degree in Education-Physical Education from UW-Madison. Kay started her teaching career at Appleton High School where she was able to continue to pursue an interest in dance that started in college by supervising the Orchesis Club. During the summer she worked for the city of Green Bay as pool staff and as a Counselor at St John’s Military Academy in Delafield, WI. Kay later taught at Colorado A & M College (currently Colorado State University) in Fort Collins, Colorado where she was advisor for the Swan Club synchronized swimming club.
While living in Colorado Kay was passionate about downhill skiing and horseback riding. Because “it was the only music around”, she developed a love for Country Music. On sabbatical Kay attended The Ohio State University working as an Associate Professor while working towards a Doctoral Degree. She also taught at UW-Whitewater and Alverno College. While teaching, she spent her summers off at her cabin north of Sturgeon Bay in Door County. After working as a Realtor, a Secretary for a Presbyterian Church, and an Activities Director at Heritage Place Senior Apartments, Kay retired there in 1985. A convenient place to develop her love for fudge
. Throughout her adult life and in retirement she enjoyed travel, sailing, golf, bridge, canoeing, cross country skiing, music concerts, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. Kay also continued her love of learning taking a variety of classes including stained glass making, basic electricity, and health related classes. She eventually moved back to the Milwaukee area.
Kay’s family appreciate the care given her by the staff at all the facilities where she resided in her later years with a special thank-you to the Wright House in Mequon as well as Serenity Hospice.
Kay is survived by her sisters Rita (the late Robert) Brault and Marianne (Jerry) White; brother-in-law Jim Speerschneider; nephews and nieces Cliff M (Betty) Wall, T. Alan (the late Cheryl) White, Sandi White, Dave (Jenni) Hayes, Glenn Hayes, Dan (Sharon) Speerschneider, Jane (Michael) Sebzda, and Kay Speerschneider; and other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law Teri (Cliff Jr) Wall, Geri (Don) Hayes, and Patricia Speerschneider.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorials in her name may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Feed & Clothe My People both in Door County.
“Joy multiplies when it is shared among friends, but grief diminishes with every division. That is life.” (R.A. Salvatore) Kay’s favorite word was “joy”.