Kathleen K. Bush

Kathleen Kay Bush, 83, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Pride TLC in Weston, under the care of Interim Hospice. She was born on July 19, 1942, in Wausau to Mark and Laura Synnott (née Kennedy).

On February 17, 1963, Kathleen married Thomas Bush. The couple later divorced in 1993. On July 29, 1994, she married David Lechnir at her sister's home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. David preceded her in death on November 20, 2003.

Kathleen was raised by proud Irish parents who encouraged a love of reading, current events, and lively, informed political discussions around the dinner table. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1960 and later attended Wausau Technical College.

While raising her family, Kathleen was deeply involved in her community. She served as a Cub Scout den mother, taught Sunday school, edited a children’s newspaper, and sat on the board of the First Universalist Church. She was an active member of numerous committees for the D.C. Everest School District and served as a parent representative on the Curriculum Council. She was also a past member of the Wausau Junior Woman’s Club and the League of Women Voters.

Kathleen enjoyed a 17-year career with the Marathon County Public Library, retiring in 2007. Throughout her life, she loved to travel and, due to her Irish heritage, especially treasured a trip to Ireland. In retirement, she traveled with her special friend John Gaulke, her lifelong friend Mary Marquardt, and her niece Laura Stevens. She visited 42 states, including Hawaii, as well as Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Kathleen is survived by her sons, Kraig Bush (Christa) of Wildwood, Missouri, and Kurt Bush of Beaver Dam; her grandsons, Michael Bush (Elizabeth) and Nicholas Bush (Grace), both of St. Louis, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Noah Bush; her sister, Marjorie Christianson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; as well as two nephews and three nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Laura Synnott; her former husband, Thomas Bush; her husband, David Lechnir; her sisters, Mary Goodin and Patricia Sullivan; and her niece, Susan Seamonson.

In keeping with Kathleen’s wishes, a private burial will be held at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Memorials may be given in her name to the Salvation Army or to a charity of the donor’s choice.