PRAIRIE DU SAC - Catherine M. Hochstein, age 95, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at The Pines Assisted Living.

She was born on October 2, 1927, in Dane, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Frances (Wipperfurth) Hellenbrand.

Kate was married to Arthur Hochstein on May 31, 1949, at St. Patrick's Church, Lodi. He preceded her in death on July 28, 1998. Together they had five children, Donald (deceased), Joseph, Susan (Wayne) Carroll, Greg (Kellie) and Mark (April). Tragedy struck at an early age when Donnie was killed in a car accident at the age of 6. He forever remained in his mom and dad and all the family's hearts.

Kate is also survived by her much-loved grandsons, Adam, Nicholas (Donneisha), and Ryan (Samantha) Carroll. They were recipients of many chocolate chip cookies, homemade noodles and of course, quilts. Also surviving are her brothers, Robert (Lois) and Roman Hellenbrand; sisters, Arlene Michels, Vera Henriksen, Viola (Don) Bohler and Shirley Lawson and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Going before her were all of Art's siblings and their spouses, as well as her own brothers, Alfred and Donald Hellenbrand, and her sister, Mary Ann Benish. Also, sisters and brothers-in-law, Marian Hellenbrand, Margie Hellenbrand, Nancy Hellenbrand, Paul Michels, Renald Henriksen, and Thomas Lawson.

Kate was a mighty soul in a small package. At a young age, she went to work to help her parents financially. She became a nanny for a three-year-old child, a position she was well qualified for since she had eight younger brothers and sisters at home! As the years went by, her employer made it possible for Kate to attend "beauty school". She put this training to good use, in later years when she volunteered in the hair salon at the newly opened Good Samaritan Nursing Home. While at the nursing home, Kate transitioned to paid positions, which culminated in her many years as the Activity Director. Being a long-time resident of Lodi, her outreach to the community for volunteers stretched far! She also, did not hesitate to call on her sisters when need arose! One of Kate's responsibilities while with the nursing home, was to write a well received, weekly column, for the Lodi Enterprise, called "From the Home Front".

Kate had many interests over the years, especially quilting, traveling, cooking large family dinners, and gardening. She was active in the Lodi Garden Club, AARP, St. Patrick's Altar Sodality, The Lodi Woman's Club Library, where she served on the board, and also made and donated quilts for library fundraisers. Kate was not able to continue with her high school education, due to times in which she grew up, but she never let a book go unread! Even into these later years, when eyesight became an issue, she still had a book by her side!

We are so sad to have our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, matriarch leave us, but weren't we the lucky ones to have her so long.

A Memorial Mass will be held at BLESSED TRINITY CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH, 521 Fair St, Lodi, at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 28, 2023, with Fr. Enan Zelinski presiding. Inurnment will be held at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 am until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lodi Woman’s Club Public Library.

We wish to thank the caregivers at the Pines Assisted Living, Sauk-Prairie Ambulance Service and the Acute Care Unit at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital for their assistance.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Catherine M Hochstein

October 02, 1927 - September 17, 2023

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