Kathleen Cloutier

VISITATION:

9 a.m. - 12 noon, January 21, 2017 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

12 noon , January 21, 2017 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia Street, Chippewa Falls

Kathleen M. Cloutier, 69, of Chippewa Falls, died Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family and while under the care of Mayo Clinic Hospice. She is once again united with her husband, Arlan and her grandson, Joshua.

Kathy was born June 30, 1947 in Eau Claire to Sylvia (Lonsdorf) and Gerald Zehm. She grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from McDonell High School in 1965.

On August 7, 1971, she married Arlan Cloutier at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. After living in Australia for a couple of years and then in Wyoming for several years, they found home was indeed in Chippewa Falls and is where they raised their two children.

Kathy was a hard worker and maintained her good work ethic and nurturing nature her entire life. When her children were young, she ran an in home childcare. She then worked at the Chippewa Herald and finally at Citizens State Bank where she was a teller for many years until her retirement. Even while working, Kathy made time for her family, community and church. She was a faithful, devoted member at Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls and loved spending time with their women's group. She was a mentor with the Chippewa Area Mentor Program, belonged to a ladies card club that met monthly, was an avid Packers fan, enjoyed plants and gardening, and loved listening to Elvis. She didn't hesitate helping friends and family when they needed her. Kathy's children are grateful to her for teaching them unconditional love. Her grandson Emmett meant the world to her and he lovingly called to her "Uma" in reference to her big kisses she would give him with emphasis on the "muah" sound.

She is survived by her son, Edward W. Cloutier II; daughter, Tia (Eric) Andrews; grandson, Emmett, all of Chippewa Falls; sisters, Gerry Ann (Tom) Janish of Chippewa Falls, Sue (Eli) Pagan of Illinois, Lori (Herman) Myers of Mississippi; brothers, Mark (Brenda) Zehm, Tom (Kathy) Zehm, all of Chippewa Falls, Tim (Monica) Zehm of Eau Claire; a sister-in-law, Janice Cloutier of Chippewa Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arlan on December 10, 2014; her brother, Rick Zehm; and her grandson, Joshua Andrews.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Central Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiating. Interment will be held at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon Saturday at the church.

Memorials in Kathy's honor may be designated to the Chippewa Area Mentor Program, 750 Tropicana Blvd., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.