Kathleen Diane Clausen

Kathleen Diane “Kitty” Clausen was called home to the Lord on Thursday, June 2, 2022, after a brave battle with cancer.

Born Kathleen Diane Clark on Dec. 6, 1946, in Portland Ore., she moved to Madison, Wis., at the age of 5. In 1969, she earned her certification in Computer Careers from the Wisconsin School of Electronics. Later, she would fulfill a lifelong dream by becoming a hair stylist. Graduating in 1982 from IBA Cosmetology School, she started her career at Pearl’s Touch of Class Hair Salon in Madison. For many years, she rented a chair at Lillian’s Hair Nook in Madison. Eventually, she became the proud owner of Kitty’s Hair Salon, first in Madison, and later Barneveld, retiring six years ago.

Kitty married Dennis Clausen in 1972. Together they lived in Southwestern Minn., until his passing in 1980. Wanting to be near her family, she relocated back to Madison. She met Bill Kahl Sr. in 1986, and they were joined in marriage on July 1, 1989. Moving to Barneveld in 2000, they made a beautiful life there together.

Kitty enjoyed many hobbies, such as sewing, crocheting, and jewelry making. Birdwatching was one of her favorite pass times, and she especially loved finches and hummingbirds, but not “those damn grackles.” Nothing made her happier than spending time with friends and family, and her beloved dog, Buffy. Kitty loved to laugh, make others laugh, and always spoke her truth.

Kitty leaves behind her husband, William “Bill” Kahl Sr.; her children, Brad (Karla) Clausen, Daniel (Julie) Clausen and Kim (Aaron) Danielski; stepchildren, William “Bill” (Nancy) Kahl Jr., Allen Kahl and Kari (Kyle) Kahl; 20 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Kitty was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Clausen; son, John Michael; stepson, Christopher Kahl; parents, Janet and William “Bud” Clark; and siblings, Thomas O’Connor, James O’Connor, John O’Connor, Patricia Brudos and Judith Hoffer.

A special thanks to Kitty’s friend, Ruth Ehlert, and the caring staff at SSM Hospice.  

A celebration of life will be held at BARNEVELD LEGION HALL, 102 Wood St., Barneveld, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.

“And when one of us is gone, and one of us is left to carry on, then remembering will have to do. Our memories alone will get us through. Think about the days of me and you, of you and me against the world.” - Helen Reddy

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077