Kathleen “Kathy” S. Coyer

Kathleen “Kathy” Susan Coyer, nee Mustas, beloved wife, mother, yiayia, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, at age 79 after a battle with lung cancer.

Loving wife of 53 years to Howard. Mother to Sarah Coyer (Yongping Wang), Anna Muñoz (Juan), Jonathan Coyer (Elissa), and Theodore Coyer (Kelly).  Sister to Stella Moberly and sister-in-law to Colleen Austad and Diane Mustas.  Yiayia to Kailin Wang, Rebecca Coyer, Bowen Wang, Clara Coyer, and Joseph Coyer. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Sophie Mustas, and brother, Marc Mustas.

Born in Milwaukee, Kathy attended Rufus King High School. In her younger years, she achieved something few could claim—she soloed an airplane, a testament to her determination and adventurous spirit. She later brought that same dedication to her work at a local jeweler, starting her life-long love of beautiful jewelry.

Kathy was the happiest in caring for others. She raised four children, somehow mastering the art of cooking for what always seemed like a small army—though she never quite figured out how to scale it back for only two.  She was also involved in her church community in many ways, including as a Sunday School teacher.

Kathy will be remembered for her many quirks and comforts: her tendency to retell her favorite stories (often word-for-word), her jokes (which her grandkids called “Yiayia jokes”), her love of cribbage—where she played to win and wasn’t above bending the rules—and her well-known stubbornness, which remained strong even in her final days.

She leaves behind a legacy of, love, laughter, silliness, strength, resilience, and a family who will carry her stories forward.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with Trisagion at 7:00 PM.  Additional visitation at Saints Constantine & Helen, 2160 North Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on Thursday, May 14, 2026 starting at 9:00 AM with funeral services following at 10:00 AM.

In accordance with Kathy’s (very adamant) wishes, no flowers are requested.

Instead, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.