Catherine (Kate) Faufau, 90, passed away Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau.
Catherine was born on Nov. 3, 1930 in Merrill to Robert and Katherine (Kingsley) Hickey. At age 3, she moved to Tomahawk, where she grew up at Hickey’s Resort (now Happy Snapper) in Tomahawk. She married Forest “Forrie” Faufau on Oct. 1, 1949 in Tomahawk, where they lived and raised their six children. Catherine was a dedicated caregiver. Throughout her life she was involved in the beginning of numerous quality of life assistance programs, specifically those for the developmentally disabled, the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Green Bay and construction of the Tomahawk Disability Center.
Catherine and Forrie lived in Tomahawk, Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Minocqua while Forrie was employed with Wisconsin Public Service. Following retirement, during the winter months they lived on their boat in the Florida Keys. During summer months they resided closer to family in Minocqua. In 2004 they settled in Green Bay with sons Mike and Jeff. After the passing of Forrie, Feb. 28, 2018, Catherine moved back to Tomahawk.
Surviving Catherine are four children: Robert (Betty) Faufau of Spirit, Wis.; Kathleen (Dan) Kaul of Livingston, Mont.; James (Michelle) Faufau of Big Canoe, Ga.; John (Lola) Faufau of Little Falls, Minn. She was blessed to have 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Forrie; sons Michael and Jeffrey Faufau; and four sisters: Bobbie Nyberg, Evelyn Wright, Dorothy Heldt, and Alice Cortwright.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at 12 p.m. from St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Deacon Dave Bablick officiating. The family will receive friends at St. Mary’s Church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at noon.
Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, is caring for the family. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.