Kathleen "Kathy" Rae Gerard

Kathleen “Kathy” Gerard, 73, Wausau, died on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by her family. Kathy was born on April 29, 1953 to Milton and Rita Long in Wausau, Wisconsin, and lived in Wausau her entire life. She attended Wausau East High School, graduating in 1970. In 1991 she returned to school, earning an Associate Degree in Accounting from Central Wisconsin Technical College. Kathy’s most recent Employer was Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center, where she worked as a Payroll Accountant for 21 years, retiring in 2014.

Kathy married Daniel Gerard on August 11, 1995 and they celebrated their 30th anniversary this year. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed making unique, delicious meals, snacks and desserts for Dan and others. She loved the simple things: her morning tea, feeding the birds (especially humming birds), visiting the local farmers’ markets, reading and gardening. She also loved camping, rooting for the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers, and walking (and spoiling!) her dogs. She never missed the annual Birds in Art exhibit in Wausau, and she cherished time spent with her extended family, laughing and reminiscing with cousins, aunts and uncles.

Kathy was always supportive of her siblings and made a point of promoting family togetherness, making sure that we all stuck together in good times and in bad, and no matter how far flung we might be. We are very grateful for her support and guidance through the years.

Kathy faced multiple health challenges throughout her life, but those challenges did not define her. She met each one head-on with strength, determination and grace, and although she had some difficult years, she also enjoyed many years of good health.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Dan Gerard of Wausau, her siblings, Jeff Long (wife Jan), Brookfield, Suzanne Long, La Crosse, Maureen Long (husband Jerry Rhodes), Sun City West, AZ, one niece, Anna Long, and one nephew, Ian Long. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Janet Gerard-Esterholm, her step-daughter, Nicole Anderla, her brother-in-law, Donald Gerard and her beloved dogs, Sam and Max. She was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest brother, Joe Long.

A private graveside service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital who cared for Kathy during her last days, with a special shoutout to Anna in Neurology ICU for her professionalism, and kindness during a very difficult time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com