Kathleen Elizabeth Schultz (nee Nettesheim)

Kathleen Elizabeth Schultz, age 73, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, gently passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on September 27th, 2026, surrounded by friends and family.

Kathy was born and raised on the Nettesheim family farm in Brookfield, Wisconsin, one of eight children born to Omer and Florence Nettesheim. She was incredibly proud of her upbringing, and some of her happiest memories came from life on the farm alongside her brothers and sisters. Whether caring for animals, tending the garden, exploring the woods, or simply laughing and playing together, those early years shaped the loving, family-centered person she became. The farm remained a cherished part of her story throughout her life.

In December 2003, while out dancing, Kathy met her loving husband, Steve. It was just before Christmas during a holiday prize giveaway. Kathy’s number was called, and she chose a bottle of wine. Though they had only just met, she smiled and said she hoped they could share the bottle together someday. That simple moment was the beginning of a beautiful life they would share together. Drawn first to her beautiful smile, Steve soon discovered the warmth, kindness, and joy that made her truly special. They married on January 7th, 2005, and built a life together rooted in faith, family, laughter, and love.

Throughout her career, Kathy held a variety of professional roles, but the work she enjoyed most was in dentistry. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for and was a receptionist at Kraklow Family Dentistry until her retirement in 2014.

Her Christian faith was at the center of her life. Through Bible study, fellowship, music, and service to others, she lived out her faith with kindness, generosity, hope, and love.

Sweet, creative, and thoughtful, she transformed ordinary moments into treasured memories. She especially loved the holidays and had a remarkable talent for making them feel magical.

She found joy in gardening, crocheting, birdwatching, traveling, dancing, playing games, visits to the Wisconsin State Fair, admiring cows, and enjoying a cold Dr Pepper. More than any hobby, however, she delighted in life's simple pleasures and the people she shared them with.

Above all else, Kathy loved her family. They were the greatest joy of her life. She cherished every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, celebrating their achievements, encouraging their dreams, and treasuring the unique qualities that made each one special. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time together and creating lasting memories.

Kathy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and family traditions. More than the memories she created, she taught those she loved how to create memories of their own. That may be among the greatest gifts she leaves behind.

The Family She Leaves Behind and Loved So Deeply:

Her loving husband of 21 years, Stephen Schultz; her three children, Joe Burns and his wife, Mollie; Yashica Quiñones and her partner, Adam; and Jenn Flowers and her husband, Kurt; her two stepchildren, Theresa Whitehouse and Stephen Schultz II and his wife, Jenny; eleven grandchildren, Kayla and her husband, Jake; Riley; Jason; Jaqlyn; Seth and his wife, Faith; Payton; James; Erika and her husband, Josh; Ryan and his wife, Milagros; Devin; and Brittany; and seven great-grandchildren, Jack; Nirvana; Benny; Milania; Ciera; Aurelia; and Jocelyn.

Funeral Arrangements:

Visitation: Friday, October 16, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. in front of the Elmbrook Church Chapel, 777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI.

Celebration of Life: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Elmbrook Church Chapel.

Parking: Guests attending the service are encouraged to park near the church offices and enter through Doors W6 or W7, which provide the most direct access to the Chapel.

Flowers: Those wishing to honor Kathleen's memory may have flowers sent to Elmbrook Church, 777 S. Barker Road, Brookfield, WI, on Friday, October 16, where they will be lovingly displayed during the visitation and funeral service.