Catherine C. Rae

Catherine C. Rae

Passed to eternal life September 4, 2003, after complications following a July 30 surgery. While there may be a more scientific cause of death, perhaps Kay’s desire to be united with her recently deceased husband, Robert, as she was for 64 previous years, may be the ultimate cause. In healthier times, Kay will be remembered for her cheerful willingness to help friends in need. A gracious and appreciative person, Catherine Rae was devoted to her husband and family.

Catherine was born to parents George T. and Emma Maurer Carlin in West Bend, WI on January 18, 1914. Her family lived in West Bend while her father was superintendent of schools there. Later moves to Madison, WI and Des Moines, IA, were related to her father’s association with Central Life Insurance Company.

In the midst of the Depression, Catherine was one of several siblings sent to college, a great financial sacrifice at that time. It was at Iowa State University where Kay earned her degree in industrial economics and met her future husband, Robert Rae. They had actually attended the same high school in Des Moines, but met on the Ames, IA campus. The couple was married July 15, 1939, and they were united in many ways throughout their long life together.

In 1946, after returning from five years of service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Kay’s husband Bob took a position with the Institute of Paper Chemistry and the couple began a 57-year residence in Appleton. Membership in the Memorial Presbyterian Church matched the couple’s lengthy time in the Fox Valley. While Kay enjoyed golf and bridge with friends, she also engaged in such community organizations as the Fox Valley Symphony League, Appleton Delphian Club, a Kings’ Daughters service circle, a fine arts club, a book club, and Riverview Country Club. In recent years, Kay enjoyed new and old friendships at the Heritage retirement center.

Surviving family members include daughter Mary (M. Thomas) Chemotti of Cedarburg, WI; and grandchildren Julia Chemotti, Honolulu, HI; Diana Chemotti, Winston-Salem, NC; and Frank Chemotti, studying in Budapest, Hungary. Catherine also has nieces and nephews living out of state. Her husband, Robert Rae, was called to eternal life just ten days earlier. Siblings Margaret Carlin, Marion Carlin West, and Robert Carlin preceded her in death in 1929, 1986, and 1987, respectively.

In honor of Kay’s wonderful life, a memorial service will be held at Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton, on Tuesday, September 9, starting at 1:30 with a reception in the church parlor to follow. Rev. Charles Valenti-Hein will officiate. In place of flowers, memorial contributions to Memorial Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at St. Elizabeth Hospital’s subacute care unit, Dr. Jon Derksen, and the special caregivers at Cherry Meadows section of Peabody Manor for their enduring patience and care for our mother and grandmother.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
Tri County Chapel
3212 South Oneida Street
Menasha 920-831-9905