Kathleen M. Piatz age 58 of Menomonie, died Sunday April 3, 2016 at her home in Menomonie.

Kathy was born November 5, 1957 in Aberdeen South Dakota. She was the daughter of John and Connie (Barrone) Piatz, and grew up in that community, graduating from Roncalli High School in Aberdeen in 1976.  Kathy graduated from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN with a degree in elementary education in 1980.  She went on to get her Masters Degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD.  She began her teaching career in the Aberdeen Catholic School System for about seven years.  Kathy moved to Menomonie and taught elementary school for the Menomonie School District for 27 years, until her retirement in 2015.

Kathy was an avid traveler, voracious reader, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She was very passionate about the students she taught and considered them her second family.

Kathy is survived by her brothers and sisters, Steven (Janis) Piatz, of Eagan, MN, Karen (Craig) Galbrecht of Lino Lakes, MN, Jeffrey Piatz, of Peoria, IL, Gregory (Brenda) Piatz of Eagan, MN, Kris (Blake) Anderson of Aberdeen; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Galbrecht of New Haven, CT, Megan Piatz of Aberdeen, SD, Sarah (TJ) Moran of White Bear Lake, MN, Daniel Piatz of Eagan, MN, Katherine and Hannah Anderson of Aberdeen as well as other relatives and friends.  She is preceded in death by parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kathy Piatz Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Community Foundation of Dunn County.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday April 9, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. James Kurzynski officiating.  Burial will be at a later date.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Condolences

1. Anytime Fitness Menomonie April 6, 2016, at 1:39pm

   Kathy was an inspiration in the short months we were able to serve her. She always had a smile on her face and was incredibly dedicated! She will be missed by everyone at the gym.

2. Al Boyce April 5, 2016, at 8:40pm

   Steve, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. Beth's and my thoughts and hearts are with you and your family.

3. Chris Knospe April 5, 2016, at 5:17pm

   I got to know Kathy when she first started teaching at Lucas Elementary. She was a most delightful person and funny. When she went to Knapp, I got to see her again, when my grand son had her for his teacher. God Bless you Kathy....

4. Ker sapradit April 5, 2016, at 2:25pm

   I'm sorry for your loss , my children has had the privilege of her teaching them. She was a wonderful and caring teacher who made the kids strive for success. She will be missed.

5. Theresa Pomasl April 5, 2016, at 12:47pm

   Ms. Piatz was an amazing teacher and person who truly cared about her students. All three of my children were very fortunate to have her as their teacher. Knapp School does not feel the same without her this year, we miss her warm smile standing outside of her classroom door. My daughter who is an 8th grader now would always want to go with me to Knapp Elementary even as a middle school student just so she could stop in to visit with Ms. Piatz (also known as her BFF) as they called each other!! It was always the highlight of her day to see Ms. Piatz. She was a very loved and respected teacher at Knapp Elementary and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Ms. Piatz. We will think of you on the Madison fieldtrip this year and always. May God bless your family during this difficult time.

6. Taylor Rae Long April 5, 2016, at 8:56am

   Kathleen Piatz was my 3rd grade teacher, and she meant the world to me. the end of third grade, my family was unsure if we were going to be at that school still. She always gave me hugs and was there to listen. She pushed kids to their full potential, and was always very supporting. I would go and visit Knapp Elementary to see the few teachers that were still around in Knapp when I was there. She will be missed by many, and continue to be in all of our hearts. Rest in peace, Mrs.Piatz.

7. Nadine Clark April 5, 2016, at 7:42am

   Dear Greg, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope memories of good times spent with your sister will help ease the pain.

8. Marissa Gibbs April 5, 2016, at 6:47am

   I still remember all the good memories we had in her 3rd grade class at Knapp, she was the last teacher I had there. Words cant explain how much I loved having her has my teacher. She was the best.

9. Jeanne VanDeWiele April 5, 2016, at 5:36am

   My thoughts, prayers and condolences to Kathleen's family and loved ones. She was missed this year at the school and will be missed in all the future years ahead. My granddaughter was saddened when she realized her brother was not having Miss Piatz for a teacher this year, for she loved her class and then when he informed her yesterday, "I have some bad news for you!", the tears flowed.
   Our thoughts are with you!
   Jeanne

10. DeAnna Wiberg April 4, 2016, at 7:28pm

    Your joy and laughter, will always be with us.

11. jen Sakry April 4, 2016, at 4:56pm

    Your loss is so profound in this community. You have touched so many people's lives .My family is truly blessed to have had such a special friendship with you.The Sakry's are sending Kathy's family prayers of peace and love .RIP my dear friend.

12. Barbara Nigon April 4, 2016, at 4:26pm

    Such a wonderful lady who touched so many lives! She will truly be missed!

13. Leslie Schmidt April 4, 2016, at 3:22pm

    I can still hear her calling me "Miss Klatt" in the halls at Lucas. She touched a lot of young lives in her short life!

14. Anneka Rogers April 4, 2016, at 3:22pm

    I remember when you taught me in 3rd Grade here in Menomonie. You will be missed by everyone that knew you. I know that I will miss you.

15. Jessi Eckert April 4, 2016, at 3:16pm

    Kathy was an amazing teacher and friend! Game night won't be the same! I will truly miss you!

16. Kasey Remer April 4, 2016, at 2:14pm

    An amazing and inspirational woman. You will be missed dearly.

17. Michelle Dupree April 4, 2016, at 1:55pm

    Never to be forgotten. Much love.

18. Robin Shay April 4, 2016, at 12:23pm

    I'll miss our game night get- togethers and hearing your laughter. You're safe and well now!

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