Kathleen Anna Stoikes, 86, of Norwalk, WI, was called home on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to be with “Mum” and “Daddy,” along with her sisters, brothers, husband Ron, and baby Jackie.
Born on April 3, 1939, in Sleepy Eye, MN, she was the last surviving sibling of the Kotten family and the daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Wacker) Kotten. She went through life with constant kindness, a great sense of humor, and a warmth that touched everyone she met.
Kathy’s story began in the small town of Sleepy Eye, MN, where she grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and siblings. On November 30, 1957, she said “I do” to the love of her life, Ronald “Ronnie” Stoikes.
Throughout her career, Kathy’s magnetic personality and genuine interest in others made her a beloved figure in every workplace. She began her professional journey as a bookkeeper in Sparta, later taking the reins as store manager at her brother Bernard’s Norwalk IGA, and eventually serving as a branch manager at Union National Bank in Sparta.
Kathy was an exceptional cook and baker and was well known for her creative cake-decorating skills, which brought joy to many celebrations. She rarely sat still, finding comfort in canning, farming, and quilting. Camping trips across the United States with Ronnie brought them closer to nature’s beauty. In retirement, they sought the warmth of Freedom Shores, Texas, where the fishing rivaled the wonderful company they kept.
Kathy truly loved being a grandmother. Each grandchild brought her renewed joy, and every visit was filled with laughter, love, and special memories.
Kathy is survived by her sons, Ron (Janelle), Mike (Eileen), and Jim (Lisa); grandchildren, Naomi, Sonya, Jesse, Whitney, Natalie, Sam, Eric, Alexander, and Austin; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Clara Laufenberg, Carol Jean (Carson) Hatfield, Bonnie Kotten, Mahlen Clark, Pat Kotten, Joyce Kotten, Jim Kowitz, and Bob Clark; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, who passed away one year and three days ago; her daughter, Jackie; her parents, Henry and Mary Kotten; her in-laws, Herman and Violet Stoikes; brothers and sisters, Jim, Cletus, Bernard Kotten, Pat Kowitz, and Bill (Marlyne) Van Slyke; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Rosie Clark, Margaret Clark, Marilyn (Bill) Benish, and Lawrence Laufenberg.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Rd., Sparta, WI. Father Eric Berns will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
