Catherine Buehner

MONONA- Catherine “Kay” Buehner, age 86, passed away peacefully at on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at Pineview Living, after battling Alzheimer’s Disease for over 14 years. Kay was born on Nov. 21, 1925, to Donald and Gertrude “GG” Norton in Vergennes, VT. She grew up with family and friends delighting in the beauty of rural Vermont and the eastern shores of Lake Champlain. She met Lt. Robert “Bud” Buehner from Wauwatosa, during World War II when he was stationed in Boston. Kay and Bud married on March 21, 1945, before he deployed to Germany. Upon his return, Kay and Bud moved to Madison, where they both enrolled in the University of Wisconsin. Kay graduated from the UW Phi Beta Kappa in psychology. Kay and Bud moved to Monona where they raised their three children. Kay loved life, laughter, making people happy, and serving others. She and Bud were lifelong fans of Badger football, basketball, and hockey. Kay loved traveling, especially cruising. Kay was a vivacious hostess who delighted in entertaining friends and family. Service to others was central to Kay’s life. Kay was an assistant at Maywood Elementary in Monona for many years; she loved children, making them laugh, and helping them learn. Kay was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and was an active volunteer throughout her adulthood in her church and community. Additionally, Kay loved cooking, trying new recipes, and was a passionate gardener. Kay is survived by her two children, Chris (Mark) Hetzel and Kurt (Ginger) Buehner; her son-in-law, Sandy Jose; seven grandchildren, Derek (Rachel) Jose, Becca Jose, Alida Jose, Amy (Greg) Kazda, Kyle Buehner, Kate (Brandan) Hodges and Rob Hetzel; two great-granddaughters, Lorelei Jose and Brooklyn Kazda; and her sister, Patricia Sisters. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Gertrude; her dear husband, Bud; and her cherished daughter, Cathy. Funeral services will be held at ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4011 Major Ave., Monona, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, with the Rev. Paula Harris presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Monona, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. Kay’s family wishes to express gratitude to Kay’s dear friend, Pat Breitenbach, and to Kathy Leffingwell and the staff at Pineview Living who were extended family to Kay and so loving and caring to Kay during her illness. Thanks also to Jill and everyone at Agrace Hospice. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are asked to make a gift to either Agrace HospiceCare, or to the Alzheimer's Association-South Central Wisconsin Service Area. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Monona, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. Funeral services will be held at ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4011 Major Ave., Monona, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, with the Rev. Paula Harris presiding.