Katherine A. Mitchell

Kathy Mitchell, age 70, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday morning, June 28, 2018. She fought a courageous battle with ALS, during which she demonstrated her faith, dignity, and grace. Kathy was born in Appleton on February 22, 1948, daughter of the late John and Arline (Bosser) Geenen. Kathy was a longtime Kimberly resident, and graduated from Kimberly High School in 1965. On February 18, 1987, she married Dale Mitchell at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Kimberly and the couple relocated to Colorado Springs until 1998, when they returned to Appleton.

The most important things in life were her faith, family and friends. Kathy’s heart’s desire was first and foremost to serve others. Her interior design work was a ministry to others by creating a warm and inviting environment for her clients. She would use meaningful items already present in the home to personalize their space. Many of her clients became close friends.

She had a wonderful gift of hospitality that was effortless to her. Everyone was always welcome in her home. They always left feeling blessed by her gift of love.

She is survived by her husband: Dale Mitchell of Appleton. Her children are: Jason (Kara) Florek of Tampa, Florida, Corey Florek of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ryan Florek of Appleton, Joshua (Amber) Mitchell of Colorado Springs, and Anthony Mitchell of Denver. Kathy also has four beloved grandchildren, Kaitlynn White, Katrina Eiler, Trevor Florek, and Cameryn Mitchell.

Kathy is also survived by her brothers and sisters: Judith Lamers of Cleveland, Ohio, James (Janine) Geenen of Ashville, North Carolina, John Geenen of Minneapolis, Victoria (Joseph) Van Hout of Kaukauna, Lynn (Shannon) Orskog of New Castle, Colorado, Deborah (Steven) Stumpf of Menasha, John (Cindy) Strohm of Madison, Wisconsin, and James (Dawn) Strohm of Appleton, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Arline, her first husband Edwin Florek, and a brother-in-law Jack Lamers.

A service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Boulevard, with Pastor Dennis Episcopo officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM.

Our hearts are grateful for the amazing hospice team, family, and friends who supported her journey. They were our angels on earth. She will be missed terribly by everyone who knew her, but we will all be together again someday. We love you.

Contributions in Kathy’s name may be made to the ALS Association’s Wisconsin Chapter, located at 3333 N. Mayfair Road, Suite #104, Wauwatosa, WI 53222.