Kathleen Rae Ellingson, 71, passed away peacefully at her home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on June 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after an extraordinary journey with endometrial cancer. Her strength, determination, humor, and hope carried her through every chapter of her illness, inspiring everyone fortunate enough to know her.

To know Kathy was to know warmth. She was sunshine in human form—a radiant presence with a contagious laugh, a quick wit, and a heart that made everyone feel welcome. She was intelligent, compassionate, endlessly generous, and beautifully authentic, never afraid to share her thoughts, her humor, or her honest perspective. Her playful sarcasm, sharp sense of humor, and genuine curiosity about others made people feel instantly connected to her. Kathy had a rare ability to turn strangers into friends and friendships into lifelong bonds. She never met a stranger—only someone she had not yet had the chance to know.

Born on June 6, 1955, to Casey and Darlene Iverson, Kathy grew up in Mound, Minnesota, where she graduated from Mound High School before earning an associate degree in Horticulture from Hennepin County Vocational School. Her lifelong love of flowers and gardening became both her passion and profession.

Kathy was naturally creative in everything she touched. She had an incredible eye for beauty, color, design, and detail—whether creating a floral arrangement, transforming a space in her home, designing a landscape, or capturing a moment through her photography. She was an avid photographer with a true gift for seeing the beauty others might miss, especially in nature. Through her camera lens, she captured flowers, landscapes, travels, and the simple details of life that told a story.

She owned The Wild Iris in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, till 2002, and throughout her career shared her artistic gifts with local floral shops and nursery departments across the communities where she lived. Kathy had a rare ability to see potential and beauty in everything around her. Through every arrangement she designed, every room she made welcoming, every photograph she captured, and every garden she lovingly nurtured, she created moments of beauty that reflected the warmth, creativity, and generosity of her heart.

On September 30, 1977, Kathy married the love of her life, David Ellingson. Together they built nearly 49 years of marriage rooted in unwavering love, laughter, friendship, adventure, devotion, and partnership. Whether they were raising their family, camping together, traveling across the country, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, they were happiest side by side.

Family was Kathy’s greatest joy and the center of her world.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love knew no bounds. She often reminded those she loved that she loved them “to the moon and back,” and she lived those words every day through her unwavering support, encouragement, and endless acts of kindness. Becoming “Grandma” was one of life’s greatest blessings. She treasured every moment with her grandsons, Dayton and Caprice, sharing a special bond filled with laughter, adventures, gentle guidance, and unconditional love.

Kathy also lovingly built relationships with neighborhood children and families over the years, becoming a cherished “Grandma Kathy” to many. Whether they were family by birth or family by choice, everyone who crossed her path felt her warmth, generosity, and genuine care.

Kathy found her greatest happiness in the simple pleasures of life and believed the best moments were the ones shared with the people she loved. She found peace tending to the more than 700 flowers and plants surrounding her home each year, reading on her Kindle, biking for miles, cross-country skiing in the winter, boating with her family, and soaking up every bit of sunshine she could find. She especially loved walking the shores of Kohler-Andrae State Park with David and their beloved Goldendoodle, Parker, collecting sea glass along the way. Whether trying her hand at calligraphy, cross-stitch, or another creative hobby, Kathy found joy in creating something beautiful. She loved relaxing at the beach with her favorite "boxed wine," sharing Mexican food and margaritas, or enjoying a sweet Old Fashioned—with olives, of course—at a local supper club. Home was where some of her family's favorite memories were made, gathered around the table for Thanksgiving and Christmas or enjoying the meals everyone requested: her enchiladas, chili, Snicker salad, sloppy joes, and countless other recipes made with love.

Kathy had an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world. She and David shared nearly five decades of adventures together, from family camping trips—especially at beloved Peninsula State Park in Door County—to spending the last decade exploring the American Southwest in their RV with Parker. Together they chased sunsets, discovered scenic backroads, admired wildflowers and breathtaking landscapes, and made lifelong friends wherever they traveled. Their adventures also took them throughout Scandinavia, Asia, and many other beautiful destinations, reflecting Kathy's curiosity, love of nature, and appreciation for different cultures. Whether photographing a lighthouse, watching the sun set over the desert, or simply enjoying the journey beside David, Kathy embraced every adventure with gratitude, wonder, and her signature sense of humor.

When Kathy was diagnosed with cancer she faced it with the same courage and determination that defined every part of her life. She fought with remarkable strength enduring surgeries, treatments, setbacks, and victories with resilience, grace, and an unwavering sense of hope. Even during the hardest days, she continued to care more about the people around her than herself. She formed meaningful friendships with fellow patients, found comfort in sharing their journeys, and held deep gratitude for the exceptional physicians, nurses, and caregivers whose compassion became part of her story. Kathy never allowed cancer to define her. Instead, she continued to live fully, laugh often, travel when she could, tend her gardens, and love her family with her whole heart.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, David Ellingson; her children, Molly Ellingson, Mandy Ellingson, and Sean Ellingson; her beloved grandsons, Dayton and Caprice Ellingson; her sisters, Claire Ledwein, Pam Anderson (Kenny), and Nancy Wolfe (Craig); her brother, Mike Iverson (Becky); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, and countless others whose lives were brighter because of her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Casey and Darlene Iverson.

Kathy’s legacy is one of love, generosity, resilience, humor, compassion, and joy. She taught those around her to find beauty in everyday moments, to welcome others with an open heart, to laugh often, and to never stop growing. Like the gardens she so lovingly cultivated, the seeds of kindness she planted in others will continue to bloom for generations.

In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, she was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kathleen Rae Ellingson Memorial Trust and sent electronically to paypal.me/KEllingson1955 or mail cash or a personal check to Zimmer Westview Funeral Home, W2132 Garton Road Sheboygan, WI 53083. Gifts will help establish a memorial bench or other lasting tribute at Kohler-Andrae State Park, one of Kathy's favorite places, while also supporting organizations dedicated to endometrial cancer research, patient care, and advocacy—causes that became deeply meaningful to Kathy and her family.

Some people leave behind flowers. Kathy left behind gardens—in the ground and in the hearts of everyone she loved.