Kathy Lou Brown (née Moldenhauer) died on October 17th, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, due to complications post heart transplant. She was born on July 12th, 1954, in Shawano Wisconsin, to James and Jean Moldenhauer. Kathy was baptized at her parent’s home on August 5th, 1954, and was confirmed on June 2nd, 1968, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pella. It was there that she married Thomas Brown on August 6th, 1977. They were happily married for 49 years.

Kathy graduated from Marion High School in 1972. After graduation she moved to Wausau, where she resided until her marriage, when she moved to Weston with Tom. She worked at Wausau Insurance until shortly after the birth of her daughter Kimberly, when she became a stay-at-home mom. Kathy went back to work when Kim entered school and was employed at Kryshak Accounting. At the age of 40 Kathy decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. Around that time, she was diagnosed with heart failure but didn’t let that deter her from living her life. Kathy graduated nursing school in 1997 and was employed at Homme Home of Wittenberg until her retirement 20 years later. At work she was known for singing while doing evening med rounds and providing comforting end-of-life care, staying with those who didn’t have families with them as they passed.

After retirement Kathy and Tom traveled as much as her health allowed. They enjoyed many road trips throughout the country. Kathy also spent time volunteering with Faith in Action and at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where her and Tom were members since their marriage. Being active in church was very important to Kathy. She spent time on various committees at Pilgrim throughout the years. She also taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Most recently she was a part of the prayer circle and quilters.

Kathy enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was especially fond of time spent with her two granddaughters, Chloe and Paxton. Kathy loved watching them participate in all their activities and was so proud of all their accomplishments.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Tom of Weston WI; her daughter, Kim, son-in-law, Brad and granddaughters, Chloe and Paxton Schulze, all of Bloomer WI; her father, James Moldenhauer, Pella WI; sister, Bev Moldenhauer, Pella WI; sister, Mae (Jim) Retzlaff, Belle Plaine, WI; nephew, Cory (Kris) Retzlaff and their children Shey and Zander, Belle Plaine, WI; nephew, Mark (Becca) Retzlaff, and their children Hailey and Jackson, Belle Plaine, WI.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Christine; mother, Jean; brother, Michael; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Germaine Brown; brother-in-law, Jerry Brown.

Services for Kathy will be Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday, October 22nd from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and from 9:30am until the time of service at St. Stephen. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Wausau.

Kathy’s family would like to thank all of her cardiologists throughout the years, especially Dr. Tim Logemann, who provided her care for over 20 years. Also, many thanks to the entire CVICU team at Froedtert Hospital for their care and compassion.