Kathleen "Kathy" Mae Thiess

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Kathleen "Kathy" Mae Thiess, age 63, on the evening of Sunday, February 21st. Strong-willed, stubborn and determined to do it her way, she returned home from several days in the hospital, spent the weekend with her entire family under the roof of her home and took her last breath surrounded by those family members and her beloved pup while her grandchildren ran around upstairs, as only they were allowed to do at Gigi's house. She died just the way she lived; defying the expected and on no one’s terms besides her own.  She was born in La Crosse, WI and throughout childhood lived in Jefferson, WI, Roselle, IL, and Madison, WI before landing in Eau Claire and graduating from Memorial High School. She worked various jobs throughout her young life in banking, teaching, and overnights at the hospital in Osseo and 20+ years at Menards in the Payroll department.  Kathy married her high school sweetheart, Brian Thiess, and spent her greatest years alongside him, building on that foundation of love with each of her children as a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She will be sorely missed and survived by her husband, Brian; 4 children, Justin (Kristy) Thiess; Erica (Scott Kosmo) Thiess, Nicole (Chris Keen) Thiess, Cody (Shonda) Thiess; 12 grandchildren, Hailey, Alexis, Ashley, Jack, Parker, Brecken, Addison, Grady, Carson, Natalee, Paxton & Elliott; and her "favorite child", four-legged "Maizie Mae", who was always at her side and blessed the last years of her life with profound comfort and joy. Kathy treasured her family and especially loved her role as "Gigi"; coat pocket stuffer of candies & cookies and full-time operator of surprise "Grandmazon" deliveries. She was, seemingly, quiet and reserved; a loving, kind, empathetic heart who made anyone feel comfortable the moment they met her. To her family, she was a practical joker, sarcastic and humorous, vibrant and playful; the kind of woman who embodied selflessness and generosity. She leaves behind an intensely loved family, the very best cut-out cookie & frosting recipe, dozens of "Joey Joey Kangaroo" stories and just enough fear in her children to second guess disciplining, or saying no to, her grandchildren.  Kathy will also be fondly remembered and sorely missed by her brother, Benjamin Thompson and his partner Sharon Pointe, brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, prior co-workers, and many friends and strangers fortunate to have been touched by her tenacity, wit, grace and kindness. Kathy was preceded in death by her father & mother, Benjamin & Barbara Thompson; sister, Kimberly Austin; and father & mother-in-law, George & Lucy Thiess. An 11 year battle with Multiple Myeloma also failed to overtake Kathy's determination, strength, resilience and unrelenting pursuit of additional years with her loved ones and the ability to meet and spoil 7 more grandchildren (it didn't stand a chance). Family & friends are invited to share their memories and attend visiting hours on Saturday, the 27th of February from 2pm-5pm at Hulke Family Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire. People are encouraged to wear masks and to practice social distancing.  Please do not attend if you are not feeling well. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.   A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  

Services

Visitation

An open house will take place at Hulke Family Funeral Home on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 2-5 pm.

Funeral Services

Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Memorial

None specified

Florist

Mays Floral, 715 836-8220 Flowers should be delivered to the funeral home by 10 am on Saturday.

Committal Service

Committal service is pending.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.