Kathleen “Kathy” M

Kathleen “Kathy” M. (Kliscz) Filas, 85, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with her four daughters near her – Pam Danielson (Phil), Debbie Benish (Gary), Barb Freagon (Tom) and Julia Eisemann (John). Her son, John (Melissa), recently visited for an extended period of time, prior to her death.

Kathy loved all her children dearly and was proud of their accomplishments.

She grew up in Gilman, born to Anthony and Barbara Kliscz, Sept. 24, 1940. She was able to visit and share memories with her brothers, Wayne (Joyce) and Ray (Theresa), before her passing.

Kathy met her husband, Louis, in her early high school years, and they were married, Aug. 22, 1959.

Her grit and determination was present in all her accomplishments. Together, they focused on family and building their future together.

Kathy completed a two-year degree at the Taylor County Normal School, which allowed her to be a teacher in rural areas. Later, she completed her bachelor’s of science degree, at Mt. Senario College, to become an elementary teacher. Her first teaching job was in a one-room schoolhouse, later, in Stanley’s Lincoln School and finally, the rest of her 33 plus years, at Cadott Elementary.

She proudly coached Cadott’s first high school softball team and had many successful seasons. Kathy was an amazing athlete. She loved playing softball, bowling and golf.

Her creativity and most loved hobby, was gardening. She created numerous rock perennial gardens and her lovely hosta garden is a host to many spectacular plants. She could happily spend the entire day, working outside, with her companion cat, Pussa, by her side.

As the evening fell, Kathy loved a good “burn” in the firepit, with music playing and a well-earned cocktail in her hand.

Kathy was so kind to everyone and loved to share her fabulous thrift sale bargains. She was “Queen” of the clearance section and always found the absolute best bargains. New treasures allowed her to decorate her home for each and every holiday.

She is survived by the family listed above, as well as grandchildren – Mike Danielson, Ashley Kren (Mike), Danielle and Lukas Benish, Payton Freagon and Elise Foley; great-grandchildren – Jasmine Kren, Zion Taylor and Landon Benish. They all loved their “Boosha.”

She was preceded in death by her parents listed above and her loving husband – Louis, of 64 years.

A special thank you to helpful neighbors, Dorothy and Gary Guns, as well as the Brian and Holly Pretzman family. She absolutely loved her home and the beautiful woods.

A service of Christian burial is Friday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m., with Deacon Ned Willkom officiating, at Leiser Funeral Home in Cadott. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service.

A private family burial follows, at 3 p.m., at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Spooner, where her husband awaits her.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.leiserfuneralhome. com.