Kathleen M. (Mahoney) Shrake

Kathleen M. (Mahoney) Shrake, age 85, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away after an illness on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Kathy was born on July 22, 1940, in Hartford, Wisconsin, to Franklin Mahoney and Julia (Radeschel) Mahoney. She attended Custer High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Class of 1958). She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she earned both her bachelor's degree and master's degree in education.

In December 1962, Kathy married Warren Shrake, to whom she remained married until his death in 2002. In 1962, she also embarked on a 30-year career as an elementary public-school teacher, most of which was spent in the Franklin School District. Her love of children permeated her life, extending not only to her family but also to the children she taught. Her dedication to teaching continued after her retirement, as she volunteered in elementary schools in the Baraboo School District, helping children with their reading skills. She was also a long-time volunteer at the Robert L. Parkinson Library at Circus World Museum in Baraboo.

Kathy was a deep reader and thinker who loved medieval history and avidly discussed politics. She also enjoyed quilting, collecting music boxes, solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Kathy was preceded in death by both her parents and her two sisters, Joanne (Earl) Kleser and Sharon (Michael) English, and her husband, Warren.

She is survived by her daughter Ann (Scott) Seis, son Pete (Kim) Shrake, and grandsons Andrew Follansbee, George Seis, Ethan Shrake, and Ben Shrake, as well as many close friends. Her extended family also included Gary and Amy Donaldson and their children, Ellie and Max, who were as close to her as her natural children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Baraboo First United Methodist Church with Pastor Diana Lucas officiating. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Kathy Shrake wishes to remember her with memorials to Baraboo First United Methodist Church and Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church of Lakewood and Wabeno, Wisconsin. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.