Kathleen Krin Bartels

Kathleen “Kathy” Corinne Bartels, 57, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at UW-Hospital in Madison. She was comfortable and at peace, with loved ones nearby until the very end. Even at the end of her life, Kathy was thinking of others. Through organ donation she gave the gift of life, leaving behind an act of generosity that reflects the caring person she was. 

Born on December 22, 1968, in Webster City, Iowa, Kathy was the daughter of Larry and Corrine (Senogles) Bartels. She graduated from Platteville High School and attended Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore. She spent much of her working life caring for others, including working in-home child daycare and as an in-home caretaker for adults.  

Kathy found joy in the things that mattered most to her: the people she loved, the animals she cared for, being outdoors, fishing and UTV rides, going on adventures, and the excitement of finding her next great thrift-store treasure. She leaves behind a family who will miss her laughter, her determination, her caring heart, and the way she could make even an ordinary day a little more fun. 

For more than 20 years, Kathy shared her life with her partner, Jeff Johnson. Kathy is survived by Jeff; her children, Morgan (Nate) Hauser, Dane (Ben) Mullin, and Jordan (Emma Jones) Mohlmann; Jeff’s children, Tonia (Herb) Lau, Jeremy Johnson, and Josh Johnson; grandchildren Scarlett, Adeline, Gabbi, Maria, D.J., Sydney, Lexi, and Taya; and great-grandchildren Grayson, Violet, Holden, and Wrenley. She is also survived by her brother, Chris Bartels; sister, Kelly (Mike) Konruff; uncle, Mike (Judy) Senogles; sister-in-law, Kathie Bartels; and many nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Corrine, and her brother, William “Bill” Bartels.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville. Pastor Mary Ann Floerke will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Tomah, Wisconsin, at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com (http://www.melbyfh.com/).