Kathleen Mary Pufahl

Kathleen Mary Pufahl, née Malone, passed away on October 10, 2026, in Burlington, Wisconsin. She was born on May 8, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and lived a life centered on love, devotion, and the quiet joys of family.

As fate would have it, Kathleen met her soulmate at a USO dance at the YMCA in Philadelphia while Richard was in port there. That meeting began a love story that would shape the course of her life. She and Richard shared a deep and enduring bond, one marked by tenderness, companionship, and joy in one another’s presence. She loved to dance, especially with Richard. Together they went to the movies, took walks in the parks throughout Philadelphia, and cherished the simple life they created side by side. The love they shared was the kind from which lasting love stories are written, a never-ending devotion that remained at the heart of Kathleen’s life.

Kathleen also built a distinguished professional life, working for United Airlines as a Credit and Collection Manager. Alongside her work, her greatest pride was always found in the family she loved so deeply. Marrying the love of her life and soulmate, Richard, was among her proudest accomplishments, as were her two children, Kathleen and Kimberly, and her grandchildren, Brandon and Bristol.

She is survived by Richard Pufahl, her soulmate and husband of 62 years, whose life was beautifully intertwined with hers. She is also survived by her daughters, Kathleen Collins and Kimberly Pufahl, and by Kimberly’s spouse, Tina Jesse. Kathleen’s family continued to grow in ways that brought her great happiness, and she leaves behind her grandchildren, Brandon and Bristol, as well as her great-grandchildren, Zinnia Echeverria and Harrison Echeverria. Each of them was part of the circle of love that meant so much to her, and her memory will remain a lasting presence in their lives.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Malaczewski; her mother, Catherine Malaczewski; and her brother, John Malaczewski.

Kathleen will be remembered for her warmth, her steadfast love, and the grace with which she embraced the life she and Richard built together. In the memories of shared dances, walks through Philadelphia parks, evenings at the movies, and the abiding love of her family, her spirit will continue to live on.

To post an online condolence to the family please proceed to the bottom of the obituary under Guest Book where you can submit your post.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Kathleen's family.