Cathey June Kowalski (Zemke), aged 80, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023 at Aurora Medical
Center in Sheboygan. She was born on July 18, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI to Ruth and Norman
Zemke, and was always very proud of her mother.
Cathey was raised by her mother in Oshkosh, alongside her siblings – Phil, Michael, Marcia, and
Brad. Her early years were also shaped by her grandparents, Arthur and Emma Fischer, and
her beloved Aunt June and Uncle Fred. Cathey was active in service to her community and to
Christ. She was a member of the O’Neal Honor Society, President of Oshkosh High’s Future
Teachers of America, and was named the Honor Queen of Job’s Daughters in 1960. She
graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1961 with highest honors and earned multiple college
scholarships.
Cathey was a tireless advocate for children, emphasizing the importance of listening to and
caring for the young. Cathey impacted countless lives in her role as a special education teacher,
having retired from Random Lake High School.
Cathey married James Senderhauf in 1963, together having 3 children: Greg (Terye), Eric
(Gwen) and Jim Senderhauf. Cathey married the love of her life, Tony Kowalski on July 9, 1985.
They shared 38 happy years of marriage filled with adventure, friends, and family.
Cathey fiercely loved and cared for her family. She cherished her role of “grandma” to Corey,
Allie, Kayla, Eve, Catie, Rose, Violet, Gabrielle, Gary, Brian, and “great-grandma” to Luna,
Hazel, Atlas, Valkyrie, Keith, Colton, and Kenzie.
Cathey loved all-things-New Mexico, camping, traveling, gardening, cooking, and especially
cookie-baking. Cathey was a member of the East Wind Gardeners Club and the Red Hats in
Cleveland, WI. Cathey was known for her signature coral red lip. She will be deeply missed by
all who knew her warmth, wit, and tenacious love.
A memorial service for Cathey will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Suchon
Funeral Home, 1317 State Rd. 67, Plymouth, WI 53073. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm
until the time of service.
Donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund.
The Suchon Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolence, please visit
www.suchonfh.com.
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