Katherine Marie Frisk

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katherine Marie (Yingling) Frisk, who passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on August 20th, 2024. Her life was a testament to resilience, perseverance, kindness, and a joyful spirit that touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. Kathy was born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Orville Yingling and Hazel (Alft) Yingling. When Kathy’s mother passed away at an early age, her father was remarried to Beatrice Smits. Together, Orv and Bea purchased land and built a cottage which they cherished for many years. This eventually became Kathy’s peaceful retreat in the Northwoods.

After graduating from Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisconsin, Kathy went on to pursue a degree in kinestheology, physical education, health, and dance. She also received a biology minor. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, she continued her educational journey by working on a Masters Degree in Environmental Education. Kathy had a successful and memorable teaching career of 34 years in the Wisconsin Rapids School District. While working in central Wisconsin, she was a member of the American Auxiliary of University Women, Aldo Leopold Chapter of the Audubon Society, Vesper Library Board, and the Girl Scout Board of Directors.

Kathy married Charlie Frisk (her rock) on the banks of the Wolf River in 2003. They resided in Green Bay for 22 years. During this time, Kathy spent time birdwatching, canoeing, gardening, snowshoeing, and just sitting on her Boulder Lake dock. She loved cheering on the Packers, was inspired by original live music, and she was an excellent cook who prepared every meal with flair, infusing each dish with creativity and love, making even the simplest meals feel special and memorable. In Green Bay, Kathy was active in the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation, the local chapter of the Audubon Society, the Green Bay-DePere Antiquarian Society, Director for the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, and President and Board Member of the Door-Kewaunee Retired Educators Association.

Kathy approached every challenge with courage and grace, never letting obstacles diminish her joyful spirit. Whether she was doing a reenactment of the WWI Salvation Army Doughnut Girls, reciting a favorite poem to a captive audience, or working with high school students preparing for the Envirothon, she had an uncanny ability to forge deep connections with others, making everyone feel valued and understood.

Kathy peacefully took her final breath on August 20th, 2024 from complications due to a rare genetic lung disease, Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. She is survived by her husband, Charles Frisk; daughter Stacey Coopmans Frisk (Calvin Coopmans); granddaughter Carmen Ruth Coopmans; daughter Erin Redman (Dean Laing), and granddaughter Serena Margaret Redman; and goddaughter Sayler Whetter. She cherished her special friends, Martha, Ann, and Jeanne and many other wonderful relatives and friends- especially the neighbors to the north in Vesper; the family across Sunrise Circle and across the fence in Green Bay; neighbors to the north at Boulder Lake, and Jack & Michelle.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing that Kathy lived a life filled with purpose and love. Her legacy of kindness, compassion, and optimism will live on in the many lives she touched and in the natural world she cared for so deeply.

There will be no funeral or Celebration of Life. Instead, Kathy would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to all who traveled life’s journey with her. The countless moments of joy and laughter you provided were some of her greatest treasures. Thank you to the compassionate team at Bellin Hospital, whose care and support provided comfort to Kathy, her family, and friends during her final days. Your thoughtfulness and tender loving care will always be remembered with deep gratitude. A special thanks to Annie O., Mary M., Jack S. and Michelle S. for their loving assistance also.

Those wishing to honor Kathy’s longtime passion for education and the environment, may donate to the Baird Creek Preservation Foundation (P.O. Box 824, Green Bay, WI 54305), go hug a tree, or plant one!