Kathryn Bissen

Kathryn "Katie" Leone (Cobleigh) Bissen passed away peacefully on August 17, 2016, with her family by her side. She was 96 years old. A Memorial Service will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road in Madison, on Monday, August 22, at 11:00a.m.

Katie was born on November 11, 1919, to Clarence and Nina (Lien) Johnson in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1937 and went on to study at UW-La Crosse and UW-Stout, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree. Katie married Gerald L. Cobleigh on June 18, 1943, in La Crosse, where they lived until moving to Wisconsin Rapids in 1968. They moved to Madison in 1975. Gerry passed away on February 15, 1993. Katie later married her high school friend, John R. Bissen, on May 25, 2002, in La Crosse at age 82. The couple enjoyed nine years together at their home on the Black River in La Crosse. After John died on January 13, 2011, Katie moved to Five Star Coventry Village in Madison where she resided until her death.

Katie was an educator who taught home economics classes in Appleton, La Crosse, Wisconsin Rapids, and Madison. She received a special education teaching certificate from UW-Madison in the 1970s. She organized La Crosse's first March of Dimes coalition and was a Girl Scout troop leader and treasurer for the Riverland Girl Scout Council. She belonged for many years to Sons of Norway, was a member of PEO Chapter AE in Madison, and previously was an active volunteer at Bethany Methodist Church in Madison. A lifelong learner, Katie enjoyed reading, playing the piano, practicing tai chi, and attending lectures and concerts. She was a talented seamstress and an avid gardener who was skilled at creating flower arrangements and raising orchids. Her favorite phrase after accomplishing a task or new activity was "that was a good stroke of business!"

Katie is survived by her two daughters, Marcia (Tom) Rudolph of Madison and Linda Pixler of Wisconsin Rapids. Grandchildren include Chris (Amanda) Rudolph, Katie Rudolph, Carrisa (Dave) Westfall, Shannon Irwin (Terry Payne). Great-grandchildren are Isaiah, Miya, Jelani, Kaari, Olivia, Mattias, and Magdalena. "Bonus Daughters" include Paulette (Richard) Gage and Susan (Bill) Mack and their families.

The family invites Katie's friends to come and celebrate her wonderful life, and requests that instead of flowers, a donation be made in her name to Agrace Hospice, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or PEO Chapter AE, c/o Sally Iverson, 2401 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704.

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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
(608) 238-3434