Kathleen "Kate" (Schenkus) Hechel

Kate Hechel of Chilton was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 14th. She will be missed by family and friends.  She was born in Milwaukee in 1939, to Harold and Lorraine Schenkus.  Kate was a member of the Faith Alliance Church in Chilton. She was married to Larry Hechel in 1957.

Kate moved to the Stockbridge area as a teenager. It was here, living in the country that she learned of her love for animals. In particular, dogs and horses. She had great compassion for all animals. Kate loved the beauty of nature. It could take her breath away to see the newly fallen snow in the woods. She loved the smell of laundry dried in the sun and the wind, and was thankful for the love and mercy of the Lord and His promise of Heaven.

Kate had a great sense of humor. Often she and her sister would laugh until the tears ran down their legs. Gardening was a love of Kate’s. She had beautiful flowers and a vegetable garden that anyone could be proud of.  Larry built a fence around the whole thing so they weren’t  feeding the critters from the woods as well.

Kate appreciated the past. It was shown by the antiques that she treasured. She had a knack for blending the old with the new. Her home was always warm and inviting. The smell in her house from her good cooking was apparent when you walked in the door.

In her younger years she was employed at Tecumseh in New Holstein. Later Kate attended nursing school.  Kate was a caring and thoughtful person.  She gave back by working as a caregiver for years, dedicating herself to the elderly in the nursing home.

Kate was filled with faith and loved the Lord. She loved being a Mother. There was a special place in her heart for her children and grandchildren and loved when they visited. She was looking forward to being united again with Tammy and Timmy who passed away as infants, and meeting The Lord face to face.

Kate was preceded in death by her parents, husband Larry, infant son Timmy, infant daughter Tammy, granddaughter Rebekah, sister Betty, and brother Terry.

Kate is survived by her daughter Laura (Bob) , sons, Scott (Carol) , Todd (Shari),  Jody (Neely),  sister Linda, brothers, Greg (Sue), Ted (Alice), and grandchildren, Sarah (Joshua),  Josh,  David (Katie), Kelly (Steven), William, Katie, and great grandchildren Jonathan, James, Violet, Lillian, Ella, Maddie, Brooklynn,  and many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for their kindness and care in her last days.       Thank you Liliana for your help, kindness and dedication to helping her.  Kate enjoyed  your company.

Kate supported Compassion International, Colorado Springs Colorado for many years. If you find you would like to honor her name, this was a favored non- profit of hers. As per her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services.  Psalm 145:3 Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise: his greatness no one can fathom.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Wittkopp location, is assisting the family with arrangements.