Obituary, Death Kathleen ‘Kathy’ M. Lehman, a Cherished Member of Watertown, WI Community, Passes Away at 53; Remembering a Life Dedicated to Family, Education, and Faith
The community of Watertown, Wisconsin, is mourning the loss of Kathleen “Kathy” M. Lehman, a beloved resident who passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age of 53, surrounded by her loving family.
Kathleen was born on October 20, 1970, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, to Wesley and Judy (née Hollatz) Kehl. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Lebanon, where she would later get married and start her spiritual journey.
Kathy graduated from Immanuel Lutheran School in 1985 and Watertown High School in 1989. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in education from UW Oshkosh in 1994, followed by master’s degrees in reading specialists from UW Oshkosh and administration from Viterbo University in 2000 and 2009, respectively.
On June 19, 1993, Kathy married Jeff Lehman at Immanuel Lutheran Church, starting their life together. She began her teaching career at Lincoln Elementary in Beaver Dam, later becoming the district’s Reading Specialist, ELA Coordinator, LST, and Title 1 Coordinator. She served as principal of South Beaver Dam, Lincoln, and Schurz Elementary in Watertown, fostering compassionate educational environments.
Kathy cherished her family and hobbies, prioritizing Sunday night meals, Packer parties, and summer family vacations. She loved gardening, scenic walks, and beach visits. Her faith guided her through life’s struggles and joys, and she was actively involved in church council, Sunday School, Bible study groups, and daily devotions.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jeff; children, Lauren (Ehrin) Eisenberg, Jonathan, and Connor; granddaughter, Ivory; parents, Wesley and Judy Kehl; sisters, Shelly Mallow, Sherry (Terry) Keller, Susan (Todd) Braatz, and Kristi (Chris) Peirick; mother-in-law, Judy Lehman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding her in death were her grandparents, Ray and Florence Hollatz, Gary and Doris Kehl; brother-in-law, Dave Mallow, Mike, Shari, Barry Weissenborn, and Tom Lehman.
A funeral service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11 a.m., officiated by Rev. Daniel Repp. Visitation will take place at Hafemeister Funeral Home on Friday, May 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the funeral. Burial will be at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.
The community comes together to mourn the loss of Kathy Lehman, a dedicated educator, loving family member, and faithful servant. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched
