Kathryn Marie Heuvelman

Kathryn M Heuvelman, age 79, of Lake Geneva, WI, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Kathy was born in Roseau, Minnesota on October 29, 1945, the daughter of Maynard and Anna Erickson. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Richard Heuvelman; her three daughters; Tracy (Doug) Weiner, Sara Hagen and Amy (Nathaniel) Leitl; and favorite grandchildren Kate (19), Ethan (17), Ava (17), Nick(13), Gabby (10), Alli (10) and Ryann (7) She also leaves behind four sisters, one brother and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved son-in-law, James Hagen.

Kathy graduated from Roseau High School and left the family farm to head west looking for adventure. In search of sunshine and the ocean, it was there she found the love of her life. The man she would go on to “marry” 2 more times and share 54 wonderful years together. Kathy and Richard had 3 girls and shared a lifetime of memories together. On their 25th and 50th anniversaries, they renewed their vows. At 25 years, they celebrated in a church on the beach in Hawaii with their good friends Monica and Bruce. And then at 50 years, at home surrounded by their kids and grandkids. They were two peas in a pod. Devoted soul mates.

Kathy was the G.O.A.T.---; a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She had a rare gift; she made every gathering feel like a celebration. Her home was the heart of the family–always filled with the comforting smell of something fabulous in the kitchen. Hosting wasn’t just something Kathy did. It was who she was. Everyone who walked through her door felt instantly welcome, instantly loved, and instantly full. (She always had enough food to feed an army).

Whether she was challenging you to a game of cribbage or visiting with you over a vodka tonic on her back deck on a warm summer day, she loved games, a midday nap, planting flowers, and showing up for her grandkids. She made every moment count.

Kathy believed deeply in family and establishing traditions. She was the architect of the Heuvelman Family Cookie Bake over twenty years ago. What started out as a small family affair in her kitchen every December, grew to become a large-scale production, bringing together friends and family. And believe us, it was quite a production. These cookie bakes would yield 2600 cookies each year for everyone to share with others. Friends and family would fly into town just to be part of this “Heuvelman tradition”. She was the reason we all looked forward to spending a Saturday together, mixing and balling cookie dough to bake delicious Christmas cookies.

Giving back was very important to Kathy. After retiring from the family business, Kathy was active in her community, volunteering at the food pantry, working at her church’s community meal and participating in the “fleecers” group to make blankets.

Her home was a revolving door of love, laughter, and good food—whether you were family by blood or by heart. Kathy had a way of collecting people: friends, neighbors, and "adopted" kids who found in her a second mom and a safe place to land. She had the rare gift of making you feel like the only person in the room, whether she was hosting a full house or just sitting with you at the kitchen table. Her table was where stories were shared, laughter happened, and games were played.

She filled our lives with joy and kindness, our bellies with good food, and our hearts with unforgettable memories. Kathy leaves behind a family that adores her, a community of friends who cherished her, and generations of grandkids and “adopted” kids who will never forget her and the way she always made them feel like they were home.

Rest easy mom. Thank you for leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, warmth; and all our favorite Heuvelman party appetizers. Every time we make them, we will lovingly think of you.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 30th from 2-4pm with a small service at 4pm at Derrick Funeral Home, 800 Park Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.

The family welcomes flowers; however, those who wish to honor Kathy in a different way may consider a donation to the Lake Geneva Food Pantry where she volunteered her time.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Heuvelman family.