Kathryn “Kay” Wester

Kathryn “Kay” Wester, 91, of Port Washington, formerly of Fredonia, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. Her life was one of devotion to family, faith, community and the simple joys of caring for those around her.

Kay was born on Feb. 9, 1935, in West Bend, the daughter of Mark and Agatha (nee Esselmann) Laufer. She grew up on the family farm in West Bend, where she developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the rewards of hard work and family life. She graduated from West Bend High School with the Class of 1953.

In November 1954, Kay married Raymond Zimdars at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in West Bend. 

On April 8, 1972, she married Harvey Wester at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Belgium. Together, Kay and Harvey made their home in Fredonia, where they built a life rooted in faith, service and community.

Kay and Harvey were devoted members of Divine Savior Parish, where Kay generously shared her time and talents for nearly 40 years. She helped prepare for Mass and assisted with funeral luncheons, offering comfort and care to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Her willingness to serve was a reflection of her caring heart and the quiet, meaningful ways she touched the lives of others.

Kay was also an active and dedicated member of the Fredonia Lioness Club and National Flag Day Foundation in Waubeka, giving her time to support a tradition important to her community. At home, she found enjoyment in yardwork and took pride in caring for her household. Whether serving her church, helping her community or tending to the things around her home, Kay found purpose in being helpful and making things a little better for those around her.

Family was an important part of Kay’s life, and her memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her two children, Gail (Jerry) Keller and Allen (Diane) Zimdars; her three stepchildren, Kurt (Carrie) Wester, Debby (Dennis) Grube and Jill (Scott Lukasik) Wester; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her sister and brother Sandy (Tony) Blake and Jim Laufer (the late Noreen and the late Sandy); sisters-in-law Shirley Laufer (the late Tom) and Glenda (the late Gene); as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harvey; her son Charles; her sisters Doris Backes (the late Dan) and Bev Winkler (the late John); her granddaughter Abigayle Wester; her brother-in-law Melvin Wester; and her sister-in-law Mary Jane Zwickey (the late Glen).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Divine Savior Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Hwy. B, Belgium. Father Don Thimm will preside over the Mass.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at church on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3 p.m. until the Mass.  

She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Parish Cemetery in Belgium. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Divine Savior School or the National Flag Day Foundation.

The Wester family wishes to thank all of the wonderful staff at Harbor Club in Port Washington and Aurora Medical Center in Grafton for their kind and caring support.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Wester family.  

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.