MCFARLAND - Kristy Kay Kalish, age 85, of McFarland, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. She was born on August 29, 1940, in Madison, the daughter of Charles and Alma (Anderson) Kingeter.

Kristy graduated from Madison West High School in 1958. She worked as an administrative assistant for Reilly, Penner and Benton, LLP.

Kristy was the heart of the family, always supporting her children and grandchildren and holding things together. Family and friends could always count on her to lend an ear and offer sound advice that was always in their best interest. Kristy cherished every moment spent with her family, especially cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. She loved to cook and was proud of her Norwegian heritage. Kristy had fond memories of her annual autumn trips to Door County with her sister, a tradition she held dear. Kristy was also an avid sports fan, proudly supporting the Brewers, Packers and Badgers.

Kristy is survived by her daughter, Alane (Kenneth) Spatola; sons, Mark (Jennifer) Kalish and Jeff (Janel) Kalish; grandchildren, Nina (Anthony) Roth, Nicholas (Ellie) Spatola, David Kalish, Adam Kalish, Taylor Kalish and Daniel Kalish; great-grandchildren, Nolan Roth and Alina Roth; sister, Ardele (Bill) Brueske; and brother, Robert (Cheryl) Niebuhr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alma; and brother-in-law, Bill Brueske and sister-in-law, Mary Niebuhr.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

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

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

Kristy Kay Kalish

August 29, 1940 - December 23, 2025

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