Kathryn A. Breese
October 15, 1942 – August 17, 2025
A memorial visitation will be held 3 to 5 pm Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at Joldersma-Klein Funeral Home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Obituary
Age 82, passed away Sunday August 17, 2025 at Ely Manor Nursing Home in Allegan, under Centrica Care Hospice, after fighting a long courageous battle with Frontal Temporal Dementia. Kathy was born October 15, 1942 in Portsmouth, NH the daughter of Haven and Mary (Sawyer) Johnson. After graduating high school in 1961, Kathy joined the US Women’s Army Corps. She was stationed at Ft. Dix N.J. during the Vietnam War. She met and married her former husband Richard Breese, afterwards they moved to Kalamazoo. Several years later they divorced. While raising a family, Kathy attended KVCC, and Western Michigan University and in August of 1975, she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree. Shortly afterwards, Kathy started working as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Kalamazoo. Throughout Kathy’s life she has always enjoyed volunteering and helping others. In 1992, while working at the Post Office, and volunteering for Loaves and Fishes she had the idea and coordinated the 1st Letter Carrier’s Food Drive. The drive was so successful, it continues to be an annual event. She retired from the Post Office in 2002. After retirement, she continued to volunteer with Loaves and Fishes, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she was a member, Deacon’s Conference and delivered Christmas meals to the needy at the Blue Dolphin. Kathy also enjoyed traveling by motor home out west, riding on bike tours & hiking the Appalachian Trail. Surviving are three children, Wendy Barber, Daniel (Rhonda) Breese, Deborah (Brian) Cosby; grandchildren, Jason (Sarah), Joe (Melissa) Barber, Jacob (Jessica), Matthew and Allyson Breese, Jordan (Andrea) Cosby; great-granddaughter, Abigail; sister, Karen (Mike) Pleva; brother, Richard (Barb) Johnson; many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions may be given to Loaves and Fishes or Kalamazoo Deacon’s Conference. A memorial visitation will be held 3 to 5 pm Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at Joldersma-Klein Funeral Home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
I worked with Kathy at the Kzoo Post Office, seems like 100 years ago! She was always active and engaged in many activities; I remember she loved long rides on her bicycle. I would often see her at the Letter Carrier’s retirement breakfasts after she retired. Always excited and loved to tell stories of her adventures. Kathy had a lot of friends and was fun to be around. She will be missed by her many friends. May she rest in the Loving Arms of Jesus for all Eternity.
Sending condolences to Kathy’s family.My Mom Muriel was Kathy’s father’s sister.I”m Wendy’s godmother whom I haven”t seen in an eternity.My husband Hans and I used to meet up with Kathy’s siblings & parents at York Beach many summers ago.I also used to stay for a week during the summer at Mary & Haven’s who were my Godparents in Rochester N.H.those were fun times.So sad families drift apart yet the memories always surface on someone’s passing.May God watch over her and may she rest in peace.Her 1st cousin Susan.