Kathryn "Kathy" Louise Neperud

Kathryn "Kathy" Louise Neperud, 83, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2020 surrounded by her children at Silvercrest at College View's Memory Care Unit in Lenexa, KS. She was born in Colburn, Wisconsin on May 26, 1937 to Alva and Frances Peterson. Kathy graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1955, where she played the Oboe in the Band and Orchestra.

Kathy's first job and passion throughout her life was teaching piano. At age 18, she bought her first piano and organ and started teaching. Over the years, she had hundreds of students until she retired in 2017 at the age of 80. In those years she truly had the patience of a saint. She was the church organist in Whitehall, Amery and Eau Claire Wisconsin and played in many recitals and countless weddings. Kathy suffered from Alzheimer's in the final years of her life. Despite losing many names and faces she never lost her words for prayer or ability to play the piano. She often would sit down at the grand piano at Silvercrest and play her favorite, Clair De Lune.

Kathy will be remembered by everyone by her beautiful smile. So many comments received were about her smile and how it made people feel. Kathy was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She especially loved her grandchildren. Kathy touched so many lives with her kind gentle heart, her generosity, quick wit and sense of humor. We grew up learning many funny sayings about life that will live on through many generations. She enjoyed socializing with her many friends and took part in many social events through her church and neighborhood circles. She loved her

heritage from Yugoslavia and carried on the family tradition of making Potica and cookies with her family every Christmas. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ, sewing, knitting and crocheting and made baby blankets for each of her grandchildren. The love and care received during her time at Silvercrest was clearly felt over the years and reinforced by the heartfelt comments and tears shared by the staff in her final days. The funny "Kathy-ism's" she taught them were mentioned as we gathered with them around her bed. We appreciate the care they gave her when we couldn't be there to give it, especially during this challenging year while we had to be on the other side of the glass.

In addition to teaching piano lessons and being a mother of five, she worked in various banking roles. She retired from Security Savings Bank in 2002. After retirement she was a product demonstrator at Sam's Club. She did voluntary work for Prince of Peace Catholic Church and served as Treasure of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

She was married to Robert Neperud for 28 years and had five children Cheryl, Debra, Bradley, Julia and Angela. She was married to John Fladung for 10 years.

Kathy loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending as much time with them as she could. She will be greatly missed by her children Cheryl Wayne (Stuart), Debra Neperud Rialti (Terry), Bradley Neperud (Heidi), Julia Neperud (Ron Girbert), Angela Neperud. Her grandchildren Jessica, Nicole, Grace, Luke, Ava, Alaina, Aidan, Anna and Aria and great grandson Harrison. She also leaves behind cousins and many nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Alva and Frances Peterson; Sister Marjorie Risler and Brother Kenneth Peterson; granddaughter Lexie (Brad & Heidi), Robert Neperud, John Fladung and many friends and relatives that have loved her.

Services and gatherings will be held at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church at the following dates and times:

Rosary: Friday, January 8, 2021 at 6:00pm at the Prince of Peace Catholic. Visitation: Friday, January 8, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Service: Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 12:00pm, Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home (913-768-6777) is assisting the family.