FINLEY – Kathryn (Kay) Elizabeth Wenta (Nunamaker), 85, a beloved mother and wife, passed away at her home on July 22, 2024. Kay was born on July 26, 1938, in Rochester Minnesota, the only child to the late Ray and Theresa (Mary Wempner) Nunamaker. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1956, where she excelled academically and participated in many extracurricular activities. Her love of travel began soon thereafter as she attended technical college in Minneapolis and moved to Detroit to begin her career in the travel industry, working for Capital Airlines.
In 1960 on a trip back to Plainview, Kay was introduced to George Wenta through mutual friends, and the rest, as they say, is history. Their romance began immediately and endured for 59 years until George’s passing in 2020. After marrying in 1961, they resided in Plainview, Minnesota, and would later move to southeast Wisconsin, where they raised their three sons and two daughters.
Kay worked outside of the home as a travel agent for much of her life, and in 1986 she opened Classic Travel with her business partner. She and George took advantage of the many benefits her business provided, and traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and enjoyed numerous cruises.
Kay was an inspiring role model, who seamlessly pulled off meeting all the needs of the family as well as her career. She was an excellent cook and considered creating a full home cooked meal a normal part of every day. She canned, baked, and managed a busy household, while running a business and didn’t miss a beat. She eventually sold the business so she and George could enjoy early retirement. They were fortunate to enjoy another twenty-seven happy years together in a home they built in Finley, Wisconsin.
Kay understood the need for work/life balance and created lasting friendships and kept up with many hobbies throughout her life. She enjoyed the outdoors, from hunting to fishing as well as being known as an avid bird watcher. She had a love of books and puzzles and was also an excellent knitter that created sweaters, hats, mittens, and countless pairs of socks.
Kay was a very devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt. She especially loved visits from her children and grandchildren, but she welcomed all family and friends with a warm smile, a cup of coffee or a drink. You could always count on her to be happy for your company and ready to lend an ear. Kay was a life coach for many and had a strong moral compass. Her unique quality was that she did not feel the need to interject advice unless asked for. She will be remembered for her listening, her kindness towards others, and her unwavering support of her family.
Kay leaves behind a legacy of love in her children: Rick (Chris) Wenta of Madison, Mary Anderson of Cedarburg, Jean (Frank) Bousquet of Sun Prairie, Bob (Karen)Wenta of Junction City and Ron (Deb) Wenta of West Bend, her adoring grandchildren: Scott Hollis, Sara (Ben) Jennings, Michael Kontz, Samantha Anderson, Emily Anderson, Jacqueline Wenta, Brett Bousquet, Bryce Bousquet, Dustin Wenta and Dason Wenta; great grandchildren: Kayla Hollis, Carson Buckhouse, Claira Jennings, Emry Jennings and Milo Jennings; sisters-in-law Stella Folts of Neenah and Polly Wenta of Maryville TN; and many nieces and nephews who were all very special to her. She is also survived by her lifelong friends Bernadine Ellinghuysen and Shirley Weber. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband George, grandson Matthew Wenta, and brothers-in-law, Donald Wenta, and Jordan Folts.
The family extends their sincere thanks and gratitude to the St. Croix Hospice team for all their support and care over the years.
Visiting hours are scheduled for Sunday, August 4, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, Sussex, WI from 11 a.m. – 1p.m. The celebration of life will begin immediately following. Fr. Steven Block will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Lung Association are appreciated. You can use this link to make your donation, Donate - American Lung Association.