Kathleen M. Scharlau
Kathleen Mary (Olson) Scharlau, age 85, passed on to eternal life on November 5, 2025, at Comforts of Home in Menomonie, WI, surrounded by her loving family.
Kathleen, the daughter of Melvin and Ethel (Steinmetz) Olson, was born on November 21, 1939, in Bear Valley, WI. She grew up in the Village of Colfax and graduated from Colfax High School in 1957. Kathleen went on to work for several banks in Eau Claire, WI, and St. Paul, MN.
After meeting Donald Scharlau, she moved back home and was married on September 9, 1961, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cooks Valley. They settled on Don’s home farm in Elk Mound, where they raised six children: Theresa, Carolyn, Anne, John, Peter, and Daniel.
Kathy’s greatest legacy is her family and Catholic faith. She was a bright, steady light in our lives—guiding us through life’s trials and triumphs with faith, gentleness, love and a fantastic sense of humor. She was known to laugh the hardest at her own jokes. She never sought attention or recognition, yet her quiet strength spoke volumes. Kathy faced every challenge with grace and an unshakable trust in God, rarely speaking of her own troubles and always reminding us how blessed she was.
She found joy in the simple things—time with family, laughter around the table with her large boisterous family, making countless birthday cakes, and caring for every cat and dog that had the good fortune to wander into her yard. Her gratitude was constant, and her kindness extended far beyond her family. She and Don opened their hearts and home to many of their children’s and grandchildren’s friends, who quickly became part of the family. Her faith was not something she preached at others, but something she modeled daily—through her generosity, patience, and quiet acts of service.
Throughout her life, Kathy worked alongside Don in their many business ventures, never shying away from hard work. She put her heart into everything she did and set the standard high. Those who knew her saw not just how hard she worked, but the love and purpose behind it. She was, in every way, a quiet example of grace, faith, and steadfast devotion.
Kathy’s childhood prayers for a large family were answered tenfold. She is survived by her six children: Theresa (James) Ruff, Carolyn (David) Loechler, Anne (Scott) Wahl, John (Christina) Scharlau, Peter (Lisa) Scharlau, and Daniel (Robin) Scharlau, 39 grandchildren; Mary Wahl, Michael (Sarah) Wahl, Elizabeth (Brian) Deutscher, Katherine Wahl, Thomas (Nicole) Wahl, Joseph (Yvonne) Wahl, Timothy (Krystal) Wahl, Rebecca (Adam) Phillips and Anthony Ruff, Matthew (Bechorah) Loechler, Theresa (Omar) Delgado, Christina (Jordan) Myers and Nicholas Loechler, Daniel (Tamika) Wahl, Gregory (Briana Sweeney) Wahl, Emily (Sam) Sperry, William (Emily) Wahl, Kevin, Grace, and Helen Wahl, Marianne (David) Keller, Andrea (Troy) Bird, George, Rachel, Jack, Benjamin, Anna, Kathryn, and Nora Scharlau, Jordan (Kelsey) Faschingbauer, Lauren Scharlau, Noah (Kyah) Scharlau, Samuel (Hope Quilling) Scharlau and Jacelynn Scharlau, Sarah (Alex) Hollister, Christopher (McKenna) Scharlau, Jacob, Kaitlyn, and Matthew Scharlau, 34 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Kay Olson, brother-in-law David (Mary Jo) Scharlau; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Melvin and Ethel Olson; her parents-in-law, George and Idella Scharlau; her brother, James Olson; her sister-in-law, Bonita Knudson; and her sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Dennis Huxhold.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elk Mound with Rev. Timothy Welles officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Monday, November 10th, 2025, at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church.
The family would like to thank Comforts of Home and St. Croix Hospice staff for the compassionate care they provided Kathy at the end of her life.