Obituary: Kathleen A. (Statz) Vaughn - Class of 1964

OREGON/ TOWN OF DUNN - Kathleen A. Vaughn, age 58, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2005, at St. Marys Hospital, Madison. She was born on her father's birthday, Aug. 21, 1946, in Madison, the daughter of John and Katie Statz. Kathy was a dedicated and devoted teacher in the Oregon School District for 31 years. Her teaching reflected her own passion for lifelong learning, stewardship of our precious planet and respect for all living things. She surrounded herself with all things purple. Everyone knew her as the "purple lady." Kathy read voraciously, swam at sunrise, shopped with abandon, wrote beautiful prose daily and loved to eat sumptuous meals with her loving husband, Ed. An integral part of her life for the last six years was her volunteering at Skaalen Sunset Home, Stoughton, where she made many friends and became an important part of her family. Kathy is survived by her devoted husband and soulmate of 36 years, Ed; loving brother, Paul (Diane) Statz; three nieces, Jill (Jerry) Stanuch, Heidi (Steve) Andersen and Lisa (Bart) Probst; great-nephew, Jacob; five sisters-in-law, Lavona Bice, Faye (Edd) Monhollen, Eliza Chen, Violet Blankenship and Lauretta (Russell) Warren; four brothers-in-law, John, David, William and James Vaughn; other relatives; her many friends; and her canine companion, Fredrich. She was preceded in death by her parents; and mother-in-law. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2005, at the SKAALEN CHAPEL, 400 N. Morris Street, Stoughton, with the Rev. Jim Koza officiating. Friends may greet the family from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the chapel. Memorials may be made to Skaalen in Kathleen's honor. Her inner spiritual beauty, strength, determination, selfless devotion to others and passion burned bright and inspired all who came in contact with her. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 5, 2005

Note: Kathleen Statz Vaughn's class year is based on information in the 1963 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the juniors, as well as a reunion list provided by the Class of 1964.