"I worked with Lucy when I was employed at Suby Vo Haden and all through that time I found her to be a very warm and gracious person who will be sadly missed. I am very sorry for your lost and pray that God will grant you his comfort not only at this time but in the future. "
In loving memory of
Lucy Joan Kaker
June 6, 1960 - November 12, 2017
VERONA-Lucy J. Kaker, age 57, of Verona, WI, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017, at home from triple-negative breast cancer (diagnosed 2012; metastasized to other organs 2015). The youngest of four children born to John and Loretta "Leddie" (Rommelfaenger) Abromaitis, Lucy entered this world on June 6, 1960 in Sheboygan, WI. Her birth date led to an extra-special golden birthday six years later when she turned 6 on the 6th day of the 6th month in 1966.
A 1978 graduate of Sheboygan South High School, Lucy started her career in Word Processing at Kohler Company. She retired from that profession on January 1, 2015 after working at Suby, Von Haden & Associates/SVA in Madison, WI, for over 32 years. Lucy married the love of her life, Kurt Kaker, on May 8, 1982 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Sheboygan.
Lucy always said she was born to be a housewife, and she took great pride and pleasure in that role along with being a wonderful, loving mother. Her family, and caring for them, meant the world to her. Lucy treasured her life-long friendships and always made a point of keeping in touch, long before Facebook made it commonplace. Wherever she went, Lucy brought great joy, oftentimes in the form of homemade sugar cookies, caramel corn or holiday treats. Many friends, neighbors and organizations were on the receiving end of her endless generosity. She enjoyed reading, taking walks and sewing, and truly delighted in knitting and crocheting. Lucy's memory will live on in the countless handmade items she lovingly made and gave as gifts.
Lucy is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Kurt, and her beloved children of whom she was so very proud: Kristina (Trent) Maher of Waunakee, WI, and Alex (Jenna) Kaker of Philadelphia, PA. She is further survived by her sister, Jane Abromaitis of Sheboygan; brother, Allen (Beth) Abromaitis of Oak Creek; mother-in-law, Lorraine DeBlaey of Sheboygan; sister-in-law, Karen (Joseph) Lawrence of Sheboygan; brother-in-law, Gary Kaker of Sheboygan; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many dear friends. Lucy was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Mark Abromaitis.
Please join us for a joyful remembrance of Lucy from 12-3:00 PM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705. This will be a very casual gathering; dress comfortably.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Iowa County Humane Society (ICHS). A cat-lover her entire life, ICHS held a special place in Lucy's heart. Memorial donations sent to ICHS, 305 County Road YZ, Dodgeville, WI 53533 or made online at www.ichs.net/help-ichs/donations/ would be very much appreciated.
The family wishes to extend its sincerest thanks to Dr. Wisinski and the many nurses in the chemotherapy infusion area of UW Carbone Cancer Center, and Lucy's extraordinary care team at Agrace HospiceCare. Lucy always felt extra-special and well cared for because of their incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate ways.
Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406
"I shall pass through this world but once.
If therefore, there be any kindness I can show
or any good thing I can do,
let me do it now.
Let me not defer it or neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again."
~Stephen Grellet
Tributes
"I don't remember m life without my dear friend (BFF) Lucy. Our parents were friends and I hardly remember a bonfire or Bachelor club picnic without the Abromaitis family. Even when I had to relocate to KC for 11 years, my sweet friend never missed a chance to send a birthday card or Holiday greeting. She made my life special in so many ways and the world feels different without her. I am thankful for the years we have shared and will remember her always. Rest in the peace of Jesus Lucy!"
"Condolences to your family. Many memories of Lucy from years ago, especially her mother's player piano. Rest In Peace. Gail Hagemeier "
"My thoughts and prayers to Kurt, Kristina and Alex. Lucy was the most kind sweet person you could ever meet. I have such wonderful memories of my beautiful cousin. Everyone knows how special she made everyone feel. I will miss her very much.
Love, Deb Jordan Schwandt"
"Kurt - Condolences to you during your time of sorrow. God bless. Kyle"
"Oh, I was so sad to hear of Lucy passing. She was the most amazing person I have ever worked with. She was always smiling, always upbeat and always helpful. I worked with her for 10 years at Suby Von Haden. She was a complete joy to see every day!!!!!!!!!!!! I will truly miss you Lucy. I am thankful to have known you and am thankful now that you are not in any pain. Kurt, Kristina and Alex, my thoughts are with you and your family at such a difficult time. Take care of each other. Joyce Neumaier"
"On September 7, 1965 I met my forever friend. How lucky and Blessed I am to have her touch my life. I blinked and 52 years flew by. What can I say; she was truly an angle on earth and now a SUPER angel in Heaven. I cannot imagine my life without her. My sticker sister. Always remembered everyone and made everyone feel special. Her smile lit up the world. Save a place on the lanai and have the drinks and snacks ready. Thank you for being my friend. Rest in Heavenly Peace Sister-in-Christ. I love you ~ Terri "
"Curt, Kristina and Alex . . . I am so very sad of the loss of your beloved wife and mom. Ms. Lucy was the sweetest, kindest friend I have known. We worked together for 8 years at SVA and she was the office sunshine for sure. She was always so positive. A story I remember she told me was the first time Alex went on an overnight trip with the Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts and she got a phone call that a deer had flown through the windshield of the truck Alex was in. I believe she said "never again". She was the best. I will think of your family this coming weekend and will say a prayer for all of you. God bless you all. Rita Walker"
"Lucy and I worked together for many years at Suby, Von Haden and Associates. What fond memories I have of working with Lucy and the crew! Those were the days... Lucy was so talented at her job, always helpful and an absolute pleasure to work with. We also enjoyed our time outside of the office and I can attest to the love Lucy had for Kurt, her children, her home, and her cats. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the years, but I will never forget Lucy. My heartfelt sympathy to the Kaker family. Nan Peterson "
"Reading these tributes, if you didn't know Lucy, you might think someone is imagining this person - sweet, wonderful, caring, kind, unselfish, inspiring, vibrant, fun-loving (and funny), sincere, courageous. But Lucy was all those things; I will always remember her smile. Hopefully we are all better people for having known her. My sympathies to her loving family. Nancy Heberlein, SVA"
"Lucy - was wonderful lady, mom, wife, friend, baker, and knitter. Always with a smile and kind words! I remember joking with her when I first started @ SVA about how young she looked, she never aged! Lucy will be missed very much!!!! Thoughts and prayers to her family."
"Lucy and I worked together for a good number of years. Lucy is an inspiration to all. Her courage and constant caring for others goes beyond what words could possibly describe. She was one of the kindest and unselfish individuals I have ever known. She will truly be missed by all. Prayers to Lucy's family."
"Lucy was so wonderfully kind and caring. I enjoyed working with her very much. I loved her sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers to her cherished family. Heather Dahl (SVA)"
"Kristina, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Your memories will be in your heart forever. Kendra Dolman"
"I remember Lucy telling Kristina and I to be safe in the neighborhood while we played "night games". She was always so sweet and was always sure to fill us up with cookies and sweet treats. She is and will always be one of the sweetest woman I have ever met. She was always to vibrant, fun loving, and full of energy and life! She will be missed but never forgotten. Thinking of the whole family and sending our hugs and loves. - Mucek Family"
"Lucy was an inspiration to everyone she encountered. Her smile was contagious and her words were sincere. My thoughts are with those that she cherished the most. She was an amazing woman inside and out. My sympathy, Nikki (SVA)"
"Where do I start? I met sweet Lucy in 1982 at Suby VonHaden. She was a newlywed and I was married about 1 year. We had our daughters the same year, but since Kristina was 5 months earlier, Lucy lent me her baby clothes (of course she did!). We didn't see each other near as often after I left Suby VonHaden, but we made a point of getting together with our kids when they were little. In more recent years, we got together quite often at Denny's in Middleton until it closed. I cherish our fun get togethers at Ladies' Game Night at Kristina's and Paint Night with our daughters. To say I'm devastated is an understatement. Lucy was the best, kindest, sweetest friend a girl could ever have and I'm blessed to have known her all these 35 years. Kurt and the whole Kaker/Abromaitis family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lucy, I will continue to fight my breast cancer and win in memory off you my sweet friend."
"Lucy always looked 21 years old. She never aged. She was sweet, cared for others and was never selfish. She was blessed with a very loving and devoted family. Lucy will now look over all of us. She is at peace and free from pain. What a fighter she was. My heart goes out to all of you. Jill Sherry, SVA"
"Lucy was the best friend anyone could've hoped to have. She always had a smile on her face and found the positive in absolutely everything. Her positive attitude and fighting spirit over the last few years is admirable and inspiring. She was the best personal attendant at my wedding...always checking in to see if I need anything...it's the way she was throughout her life. I will miss my friend deeply and hope that she's free from pain in the loving arms of our Lord. God Bless You, Lucy, and I'll see you on the other side. Love & Friendship, Denise"
"Lucy was the sweetest and kindest person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing or working with. She had such a positive attitude! She, along with her beautiful smile, will be missed by many. Sincere sympathies to her family. Cindy Bong"