Kathleen M. Lenarduzzi

Sun Prairie - Kathleen Lenarduzzi passed away in her home on January 7, 2025, at the age of 74. Kathleen was born on March 4, 1950, in Green Bay, WI and grew up in a large family with nine brothers and sisters. It was a close family, and she often spoke fondly of hotly contested board games that sometimes featured questionable ethics by the participants. She attended Green Bay East High school and after high school met James Lenarduzzi whom she married in 1971. The couple relocated to Milwaukee and then Sun Prairie and had two children along the way, daughter Danielle and son Angelo. Kathleen was preceded in death by husband, James. She is survived by daughter Danielle Lenarduzzi (Greg Vandervelden) and son, Angelo Lenarduzzi.

Kathleen enjoyed the quiet things in life, doing puzzles, taking long walks, and frequent swimming at the Princeton club. She was also known for having a green thumb, nurturing plants to live far longer than expected. Her core life was defined in two areas: faith and love of children. She was a frequent bible reader, gaining strength through the years from her favorite verses. She also loved Christian music and was inspired by the words of her favorite preachers. A trip to Israel provided one of her most memorable spiritual experiences.

Well after her own children were grown, she decided to go to Madison College to get certified in day daycare/teaching. She got such joy our of working as a nanny or in daycare centers. She would share the cute stories of those kids’ navigating childhood and these interactions made her feel young. She was always content to share the wisdom from her experiences.

She loved to tell stories about her own child raising days and teaching her kids about God. Once, she was having an animated discussion with her superhero loving, 5-year-old son. They were talking about the dangers Superman faced from his weakness to Kryptonite. Her son matter-of-factly said, “Jesus’ powers never fail.” Kathleen lived her entire life believing that truth and that faith carried her though all of life’s struggles.

• John 14:2: "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

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