Katherine J. Neddersen

Aug. 6, 1918 - Dec. 14, 2003

Katherine J. Neddersen died Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003. She was born Aug. 6, 1918, to Arthur P. and Miriam (nee Hughes) Kuranz. Her father was serving in France with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I when she was born.

Katherine was one of five generations of family to be born in Waukesha. She attended kindergarten at Randall School through fourth grade. She graduated from St. Joseph’s School as well as Waukesha High School. Katherine would still meet her group of friends from Waukesha High School for lunch. She had been the secretary at Waukesha County American Red Cross for 10 years, leaving in 1958.

She received her degree in education from Carroll College, where she was a member of Theta Pi Delta and was a Delta Zeta sorority member. Katherine enjoyed being a Golden Pioneer. She took extra classes at Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Loyal University in Rome, Italy. She went on to teach at St. Mary’s Catholic School and then St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy.

She and Gordon Neddersen were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on July 29, 1941. Lt. Neddersen was killed in action in the Pacific Ocean area after three years of service during World War II. The Waukesha Purple Heart Chapter is named in his memory.

Katherine will be missed by her son, Thomas G. (Barbara, nee Krzyzaniak) Neddersen of Waukesha; grandchildren, John (Robyn) Neddersen of Assumption, Ill., Robert (Maria) Neddersen of Merton and Cheryl and Michelle Neddersen, both of Waukesha; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Joseph Neddersen; and siblings, Joseph (Jennie) Kuranz of Tucson, Ariz., Mary (Charles) Campbell of Eugene, Ore., and Patricia (Arthur) Schuh of Waukesha. She is further survived by her sister-in-law, Clara Kuranz of Wauwatosa, and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Gordon Neddersen on March 4, 1945; brothers, John and Arthur; and sister, Clara Ann.

A memorial Mass is being planned for noon Saturday, Jan. 3, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 822 N. East Ave., Waukesha. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of services. Burial of cremated remains will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials in Katherine’s name are appreciated to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 818 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186, or Waukesha Catholic School System, 444 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188.

Randle-Dable Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information, call 547-4035 or visit online at www.randledablefuneralhome.com.