Kathryn A. Gritzmacker

Madison – Kathryn A. Gritzmacker, 81, passed away on Friday August 22, 2025, in Madison. She was born on a very stormy April 30,1944 evening to the late Gladys Anderson at Madison General Hospital. From the day she came home from the hospital she was loved and cared for by her grandparents John and Lillian Anderson whom she always called mom and dad. She never knew her birth father nor his name. Kathryn attended a one room grade school known as Sanderson School. Growing up she was active in 4-H, Luther League, playing accordion and knitting. Kathryn also enjoyed helping others. She is a 1962 graduate of DeForest High School and immediately started working at American Family Insurance and retired after 40 years. On December 6, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart Reginald Gritzmacker. Together they had 3 children: Laura, Rebecca and Paul. Unfortunately, Reginald died on May 25, 1988, and Rebecca died as a baby. Paul passed away in 2015 and grandson Adam passed in 2017. Kathryn enjoyed knotting for craft fairs and organizing them, playing a variety of cards, games and camping, cooking, baking and plating with the grandkids.

Kathryn is survived by her daughter Laura; three granddaughters, Jill Showers (Adam Purcell), Brittany Martin, and Stephanie Martin; five great grandchildren, Amir Southhall, Mason Smith, Aries Southhall, Bruce Southhall and Ja’Star Washinton; half brothers, Richard Zaemisch, Kevin (Dawn) Zaemisch, several nieces and nephews and grand dogs, Enzo and Paddock.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday September 4, 2025, at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Rd. Madison with Rev. Brian Lagerstam presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. Per Kathryn’s request there will be no luncheon or gathering after the burial. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until the service at the church on Thursday.

Thank you to the Oakwood East rehab nurses and staff with a special thank you to hospice nurse Emily Acheson.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com