SUN PRAIRIE - Caitlin Marie “Caitie” Keeley, age 33, of Sun Prairie, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital after a brief, yet valiant battle against breast cancer. She was born on April 13, 1992, in Eagle River, Wis., the daughter of Daniel Kauzlaric and Debbie (Stokes) Kauzlaric.

Caitie graduated valedictorian of her class at Phelps High School and continued on to graduate from UW-Milwaukee and Madison College. In 2016, she married her best friend and love of her life, Jesse Keeley, in Madison. Together, they began to build a beautiful life. She worked as a Registered Nurse for SSM Health of St. Mary's Hospital. Caitie was passionate about her work, beginning 10 years ago as a health unit coordinator and advancing to her current role as a NICU nurse for the last three years. She was more than a nurse; she was a hero to the tiniest of patients and a source of comfort to their families. Among her fellow nurses, she found a second family who cherished her deeply.

Caitie’s greatest dream was to be a mother. Her daughter Cadence was the light of her life. She was the best Mama a little girl could ask for, endlessly patient, playful, and kind. Caitie brought people together and was often considered the “mother” of her friend group. She poured love into her family and friends by planning gatherings, sharing her time, and sending personalized notes and cards. Caitie was exceptionally thoughtful, and she was excellent at maintaining relationships. Every person graced by Caitie’s presence has felt loved, accepted, and included. She was an active person enjoying camping and her exercise and fitness activities. She was an incredible cook and took pride in canning vegetables from her beautiful gardens. Caitie loved music, rock being her favorite, and she was an avid reader, having read many books in print and on her Kindle. She was especially fond of the Harry Potter series, finding magic in its pages just as she created magic in the lives of those who loved her. Caitie was magical and we are heartbroken to be without her.

Caitlin is survived by her husband, Jesse; daughter, Cadence Keeley; mother, Debbie Kauzlaric; sisters, Kimberly Jensen, Kelly (Steve Jr.) Rhode and Megan (Danny) Minaudo; grandmother, Arlene Kauzlaric; parents-in- law, Todd & Patricia "Trish" Keeley; sister-in-law, Natasha (Nathan) Zinzow; niece, Harper Zinzow; and nephews, Ivan Zinzow, Preston Jensen, Chase Jensen, Xavier Gaffny, and Colson Minaudo.

She was preceded in death by her father, Daniel Kauzlaric; grandparents, Helen & James Stokes; and grandfather, Fred Kauzlaric.

Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Friday, October 24, 2025. A funeral service will be held at ST. PAUL'S LIBERTY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3494 Oak Park Road, Deerfield, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the Rev. Holly Slater presiding, with a visitation beforehand at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caitie’s husband, Jesse Keeley, in support of their daughter, Cadence’s, future.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Caitlin "Caitie" M. Keeley

April 13, 1992 - October 18, 2025

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