Kay Fritsch

Kay Fritsch, born November 17th, 1948, died February 3rd, 2026. She grew up in Sun Prairie, WI and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison before earning her Master's of Education from the College of St. Rose. A life-long educator, Kay was at her best when working to enrich those around her. She headed the religious education program at Pax Christi Church, strengthening and sharing her faith for over 13 years. Kay finished her career at Ben Franklin Elementary as a para for their Special Education department. In retirement, she dedicated her time and energy to her grandchildren, baking, crafting, gift-giving, and traveling to see them. She also filled many of our walls and bookshelves with the photos she took over the years. Jim, her husband of 55 years, loved her to pieces and stayed right by her side through it all.

Kay finally let go of her time with us after several years of holding on through Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, which brought her deepest, core memories to the surface, while daily tasks drifted out of reach. Aided by her husband's tireless optimism and support, she passed comfortably and worry free. Kay will be remembered, among countless other aspects, for her love of reading, commitment to everything greater than herself, and endless crossword puzzles. We love you, we miss you already: Jim, Lynn, Meghan, Bryan, Brad, Drew, Kari, Robin, all seven grand kids, and so many more.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Pax Christi Catholic Church (4135 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901). There will be a visitation from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester) with rosary at 4:00 PM. There will also be a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. A burial will be held at a later date in St Patrick Catholic Church Cemetery in Cottage Grove, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mayo Clinic. Checks may be made out to Mayo Clinic, designated for Alzheimer's disease research on the memo line of the check, and mailed to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 1st St. S.W., Rochester, MN 55905. Gifts may also be made by credit card by calling 1-800-297-1185 and our gift processors will assist with making the memorial designation for Alzheimer's Disease research and will coordinate sending tribute letters to you informing you of the memorial gift.

Memorials can also be made at mayoclinic.org/giving to Mayo Clinic.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Fritsch family.