On Saturday, December 4, 2021, Kathleen Louise (Jensen) King passed away at home peacefully in her sleep at the age of 79.

Kathleen was born on July 5, 1942, in Princeton, MN to Alfred and Martha (Erickson) Jensen.

Her family moved to Hudson, WI when she was in high school. And that’s where the story of love and family begins...culminating two decades later with five daughters, Cherrie, Gina, Suzanne, Belinda and Martha and two sons, Thomas and Matthew.

Rooted in her faith and outwardly expressed through a life of service, mom unabashedly poured her generosity and loving-kindness into her family and friends.

Albeit turning a blind eye, mom endured the trials and tribulation of raising us seven soul-sucking, selfish, wretched children. Praise God for her inner circle of friends that provided inspiration and reprieve from the abyss of us ungrateful vipers. Once she had accomplished the task of getting us children out of the house, she found deep satisfaction as a CNA, in working with hospice and especially providing in-home health care...where she was truly appreciated!

Over the years she enjoyed the simple things in life -- a wicked game of cribbage, a variety of music from Hiefitz to Don William, a love of horses, regular bible studies, and frequent trips to Vinnie's, the library, and the chocolate aisle at Aldi's. In her spare time, she could be found baking one of her sought-after pies, sending a thoughtful card to a friend, or preparing a "little snack" for her guests.

Classy and sassy with striking good looks she received compliments for each of her 17 "natural" hair colors...none of which were gray! She had the best taste in pajamas and each of us has received several pairs over the years (we even considered wearing the flannel ones to the memorial service in her honor)!

Kathleen was preceded in death by her father, Alfred, mother, Martha, and siblings Loretta, Larry, Alan, and Kenny. She is survived by her seven children, Cherrie St Germain, Gina (Gene) Honzik, Suzanne (Allen Freiermuth) Gerlach, Thomas (Melissa) Gerlach, Matthew (Maria) Gerlach, Belinda Cash, Martha Gerlach, recently “adopted” daughter, Stacy Haynie, 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, December 12th, 2021, at Lakeview Methodist Church, 23980 County Road X, Shell Lake, WI at 1 o’clock p.m. Refreshments immediately following.

Everyone who remembers mom is asked to celebrate her life in their own way...raising a glass of your favorite drink in her memory would be quite appropriate.

Last Update: Dec 09, 2021 4:09 pm CST