Katherine Louise Nachreiner
PORTAGE ‒ Katherine (Kathy) Louise Nachreiner, age 74, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at UW Hospital in Madison.
Kathy was born on May 22, 1952, in Richland Center, Wisconsin to Bennie Donald and Helen Elizabeth (Pruitt) Silko. She was middle of 7 children and wore the middle child title like a badge of honor. Kathy attended grade school in Lone Rock, not kindergarten though, which she was always quick to point out. High School was at River Valley in Spring Green. It was there that she met Dennis Nachreiner, the love of her life. She always said that you wanted to hang out with Dennis because you knew you were going to have fun! She picked the fun one, then spent her lifetime by his side, taking care of him, and remaining his devoted other half.
Dennis and Kathy were married on June 3, 1972, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lone Rock, WI. They were blessed with two children: Sarah (Avery) Johnson and Mike (Rachel) Nachreiner, as well as, 7 grandchildren: Trevor, Haakon, Oskar, and Lucy Johnson and Michael, Brekken, and Hudson Nachreiner. Those grandchildren were the apple of her eye and the pride and joy of her life. No matter what sport they were playing: football, volleyball, basketball, track, softball, or baseball, Grandma Kathy was always in the stands as their #1 fan! There was no better wife, mom, or grandma than Kathy.
Kathy is survived by her husband; her children and their spouses; and her grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings, Mary (Rod) Ellner, Jack (Connie) Silko, Joe (Sherri Danielson) Silko, Jim (Pam) Silko, and Barb (Dave Hose) Silko; and her in-laws Jan (Joe) Zwettler, Leo Nachreiner, Jeanne (Jim) Munz, Tere (James) Self, Pat (Kathy) Nachreiner, Jim (Cathy) Nachreiner, and Lori (Mike) Dedrick. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews; and many friends. As you can see, she wasn’t the only Kathy Nachreiner, but she was the original. and the only one who got to use that designation in family discussions. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her in-laws, Duane and Lois Nachreiner’ as well as her sister, Sue; and her brother-in-law, Dick Sadler; her sister-in-law, Mary Nachreiner; and her special God Children, Kelly Nachreiner and Jim Zwettler.
She made the best apple crisp, chocolate chip cookies, and sugar cookies as well as grilled cheese sandwiches according to her grandchildren. You didn’t have to worry about leaving hungry when you went to her house. She prided herself on being the laundry queen, never letting a stain win - even if that meant washing it 15 times.
She was always taking care of everyone, from her family to her daycare kids in Onalaska, to the 2nd graders at St. Mary Catholic School. She was drawn to people who needed someone. At a gathering, she somehow found the person who needed a conversation, a little company, or just someone to make them feel welcome. Even to the very end, she was taking care of others. As an organ donor, Kathy's legacy lives on through her kidneys and her liver, continuing to give the gift of life to others.
Our family wishes to thank Dr. Jill Pogorelec, Father Gary Krahenbuhl, and Father Randy Timmerman, who all went above and beyond to help us during this very difficult time.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Burial to follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and from 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday until the time of mass. A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells after the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be sent to St. Mary Catholic School.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.
