Dr. Anna Christine Kaatz

FITCHBURG-Dr. Anna Christine Kaatz, age 37, of Fitchburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. She was born on July 20, 1981, in Denver, CO, the daughter of David and Judy Kaatz. Anna shared her love and her life with Rebecca Joy Bradford. Anna grew up Colorado, where she was sister and best friend to Joe and Laurnie. With Laurnie, she enjoyed dressing in 70’s attire for any event or night out. Joe remembers that Anna and Laurnie attracted numerous friends and personalities into their home. Anna was a hard-hitting hockey player and excelled on and off the ice. She was constantly challenging authority. When a science teacher at the high school stated, “Nobody walks on water.” Anna replied, “What do you mean, I go ice skating every day.” Anna loved California and began her academic career at Occidental College before transferring to Smith College in Massachusetts. At Smith, Anna took an interest in comparative literature, which she brought with her to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin. An unconventional student, Anna’s interest in comparative literature and French was driven by her desire to study how women were stigmatized in early public health laws, which originated in France. She went on to complete a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate in clinical investigation. Anna established a large research program at UW which married her interests in literature and advocacy for women, by using text mining to detect bias in NIH grant review protocols. Anna was a colorful personality, which was never hidden. She had a fondness for trying outrageous glasses, which allowed her to laugh at herself. She ordered a new new pair every 3-4 months - the bigger the better. She loved nature and made a point of settling near Dunn’s Marsh in Fitchburg, where she could be inspired. She was an avid bike rider and runner, making her a common sight on the trails around Madison. She was playful and could be counted on to tell stories of her escapades to make others smile. Anna frequently recounted legendary tales of Peter, her mother’s precocious daschund. Perhaps Anna’s greatest contribution is her warmth and love of others. Anna could make anyone feel loved and included. She easily saw the potential in others and could always be heard attempting to recruit others to work in her lab, including the clerk at the store that she had just met. Anna loved fearlessly with the same tenacity that she applied to her studies. Anna’s love came full circle when she established a family of her own that included her partner, Rebecca, and two dogs, CJ and Chewie. Anna is survived by her parents, David and Judy Kaatz; her sister, Laurna Kaatz; brother, Joe Kaatz; and her partner, Rebecca Bradford. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Willa and Jack Guthrie; and her paternal grandparents, Bud and Dorothy Kaatz. A gathering to honor Anna’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Apr. 18, 2019, with a time for sharing stories at 5:30 p.m. Memorials may be made in Anna’s name to National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI Donations); or the Friends of Avila Pier (P.O. Box 685, Avila Beach, CA 93424) . Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420