Kathy Ann Kaphaem

Kathy Ann (Nieland) Kaphaem

Kathy Kaphaem, age 68, went to be with her Savior on November 28, 2024. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on October 27, 1956, she is the daughter of the late James and Barbara (Shea) Nieland. Kathy married Brian Kaphaem on June 19, 1976, and they enjoyed 48 years together. Primarily Kathy enjoyed a career as an Instructional Aide for Special Needs children, for which she was uniquely gifted and truly effective, and from which she experienced much joy and fulfillment. Kathy also enjoyed gardening, decorating, crafting and shopping with her good friends to find the best buys at thrift stores, but greatly enjoyed loving on her family, especially her 5 precious grandchildren. She made every holiday, every celebration and every occasion exceedingly special. Kathy loved encouraging others with cards and texts and seldom forgot a birthday or anniversary. Kathy and Brian lived in Appleton, WI, Waukesha, WI, Sycamore, IL, De Pere, WI, Dublin, PA and retired to Weston, WI in 2021.

Kathy's life was centered on her Savior, Jesus Christ. In 1973, at a Billy Graham film, Kathy first really heard the Good News; that God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, came in the flesh, Jesus, for the purpose of reconciling us to Himself. Jesus, the Perfect One, died for us; took on Himself the punishment that we deserved, so that all who call in Him in faith would be saved. Jesus rose from the dead to defeat death, providing a certain and sure hope of eternity with Him for all who call Him Lord. Kathy confessed her sins, asked for forgiveness and received by faith the salvation made possible by Jesus. As she entered into this new relationship with God it completely transformed her life, an ongoing process that continued all the days of her life.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Brian, a son, Joshua, and a daughter, Callie, and their families: Josh and Hyojeong (Lee) Kaphaem, Wausau, Wisconsin; Callie and Joel Hime, Tucson, AZ; five grandchildren, Jabin, Jackson, Madelyn, Sadie and Edmund; three sisters, Nancy (Jeff) Davis, Appleton, WI, Connie (Joe) Smith, Fox Crossing, WI, and Pattie (Doug) Stanislawski, Neenah, WI.

Kathy’s funeral service will be held Friday, December 6th at 11:00 AM at Restoration Church - Wausau, 2125 Franklin Street, Wausau, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Aspirus ER staff, Aspirus Hospital staff, Aspirus Cancer Center staff (especially Dr. Huang, Dr. Held and Tyler) and the Aspirus Hospice staff (especially Kathy's dear Caseworker - RN, Haley). We were so well cared for and loved. Memorial gifts and donations may be directed in Kathy’s name to The Hagar House, Wausau, WI and Hope Pregnancy Center, Wausau, WI.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Weston, is assisting Kathy’s family. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.