Kathleen Wipperfurth

WAUNAKEE-Kathleen "Kay" A. Wipperfurth (Sweeney), (formerly known as Kippley), age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 22, 2015 with her family by her side.

She was born in Madison, WI, on April 6, 1938. As a young woman, she met and married Robert A. Kippley on July 28th, 1956, and they were married for 28 years. Their time together was precious and cut far too short when Bob left us in 1984. Even though this was a rough time for all of us, he has always remained in our hearts, and forever will.

At the young age of 18, Kay quickly learned the differences between life in the city and life on the farm. She unselfishly devoted all her time and energy to raising her family and helping on the family farm, where she learned many skills that helped to keep things running smoothly. Not only did she learn how to do routine farm chores that she had never been exposed to before, she also worked hard preparing meals for her family and hired hands, kept excellent business records and learned many other important skills. Her involvement was a big asset to everybody, and she displayed herself in a very professional manner. During that time, she was "mom" to many of the young hired hands that surrounded her table each day. There, she provided them with heartfelt meals, a listening ear, a sense of humor and her beautiful Irish smile.

She was a very special mom to her four children, who were always proud to say "THAT'S MY MOM!"
She was beautiful, elegant, respectful, and so welcoming to others; everybody enjoyed being around her. Kay absolutely loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was especially proud of all six grandkids, including her two irresistible cute and spunky great-granddaughters.

Kay married Russ Wipperfurth on October 26, 2001. Having her find love again was very special, even though their marriage of 14 years was far too short. Throughout their time together, they enjoyed many things, but they especially loved traveling and spending summer weekends at the cabin in Wisconsin Dells. They were so happy together, so it never mattered where they were, just as long as they had each other by their sides.

Kay was preceded in death by her first husband Robert Kippley; her parents, Joseph and Jenny Sweeney; her brothers, Donald, Verlyn and Wayne Sweeney; and her sister Genevieve "Dolly".

Kay is survived by her husband Russ; her children, Larry (Lynnette) Kippley, Ken (Shawn) Kippley, Linda (Rick) Kessenich, and Bill Kippley; her grandchildren, Clint Kippley, Crystal (Rob) Herbrand, Brittani Kessenich (Adam Stankevich fiance), Samantha Kessenich, and Cory and Colton Kippley; two great-grandchildren Hazel and Miranda Herbrand; and "Sparky," the furry grandbaby of Ken and Shawn.
She is further survived by her brother Jim (Mary) Sweeney and sister-in-law Coretta Sweeney.
Kay also was blessed to be involved in Russ' children's lives; Debbie (Dave) Helt, Sandi (Brad) Zellner, Russ (Janet) Wipperfurth, Teri (Neal) Reible, and Jim Wipperfurth (special friend Mary) along with many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 9-10:45 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St. Waunakee, WI, 53597. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM with Monsignor James Gunn presiding.

The immediate family will then proceed to St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery for a Christian Burial.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life ceremony at Rex's Innkeeper 301 N Century Ave, Waunakee WI. 53597 immediately after the 11:00 AM mass. If you are not able to attend the visitation or mass, you are still very welcome to join us at Rex's Innkeeper.

The families would greatly appreciate that memorial contributions be made in her name to Agrace HospiceCare, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or St Mary of the Lake Catholic Church.

The children of Kay would like to extend a bountiful thank you to Russ, for his unwavering loyalty to our mother. Throughout their time together, he has always been very devoted to her, and often went to great lengths to ensure that she was happy and loved. These last few months have been especially hard on all of our families, yet Russ was always there for her, and for us. Throughout our mother's failing health, Russ stood by her and did whatever was needed. Russ you are a hero to us, and we are truly grateful. We cannot thank you enough for everything that you did to make our mothers last years so wonderful!

The families would also like to extend a special thank you to Jo Anna, who was the amazing Agrace Hospice nurse that looked after her. We greatly appreciated all that you did for her.
Our eternal gratitude and love to you Mom, for all you offered to your kids. The maternal bond you displayed was always evident.

The journey of life brings many highs and lows over its long and winding path, and yet it can seem so short when it is abruptly finished. During the time that we have together, we get to meet so many wonderful people, all who have wonderful ways of touching our lives. Kay was one of those open, warm-hearted people who loved life, and now we will miss her. We would like to thank everyone who helped to make her journey here on earth so wonderful and filled with love. To all of you, who have touched her life, and the lives of her families, we wish to thank you all for your love and support.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI 53597
608-849-4513