Katherine Ann “Kippy” Schramm, age 70, passed away peacefully at home in Racine, Wisconsin, on March 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on August 17, 1955, to William Schramm and Bonnie Schramm (née Geissel), Katherine spent most of her life in the Milwaukee area and proudly called Shorewood home for many years. It was there that she spent more than 50 years working as a server and bartender, a career that perfectly reflected her warm spirit and welcoming personality. She had a special way of making everyone feel like family and formed lasting relationships with countless customers over the years.
Affectionately known as “Kippy,” a nickname given to her by her beloved aunts and uncles, she carried that name and the love behind it throughout her life. To know Kippy was to know kindness, she truly was a soul loved by everyone who crossed her path.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She deeply loved her daughters and cherished every moment spent with her nine grandchildren. Kippy also shared a special bond with her son-in-law, Jamar, and Zachary II, whom she lovingly referred to as her sons.
A passionate and loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Kippy rarely missed the chance to cheer on her team. She also treasured the lifelong friendships she formed early in life, including some dating back to kindergarten, and she maintained those special bonds throughout the years.
Kippy will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Pasia (Jamar) Sloan and Ashley Schramm (Zachary Bynum); and her beloved grandchildren Dewayne, Jaccari, Jamar Jr., DeJohn, Eufemio, Zachary III, Zachai, Ayden, and Addysen. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who affectionately knew her as “Auntie Kippy” and “Ganny.”
She now reunites in peace with her mother, Bonnie Jean “Nana”; Henry Miller “Half Pint”; her dear lifelong friend Leslie Stolper; and many other special family members and friends who went before her and held a lasting place in her heart.
Kippy’s kindness, humor, and unwavering love for her family will live on in the many lives she touched.
In honor of Kippy and the family’s wishes, no formal service will be held. A celebration of life will take place in August, on or around her birthday.
Branda Lysaght says
Kippy was a wonderful friend and neighbor she will be Dearly missed by all of is that knew her hear in palmyra in the palmyra park apartments kippi was so kind and funny rest in peace my dear friend ❤️
Kathleen Randolph says
She loved big, forgave easily, lived large, and laughed daily. So many, many memories . ..she had room in her heart for everyone, and her beautiful extended family was her greatest joy. Thank you my kind, loyal friend for bringing so much to my life..
Brynna Malen says
I met Kippy as a 18 year old freshman in college during one of my visits to Milwaukee with her daughter, Pasia, back in 1994. Over the years we have laughed, cried, sang, danced, ate, chilled, drank, and “solved all the problems in the world” together many times. She didn’t hold her tongue and told it how she saw it, but always did it with love in her heart. She had a way of letting you know you were family and pushing you to succeed with a little extra sass and character. She was down to earth, loved a good party, and was always welcoming for new people to join the fam. The years living down the street from each other on 56th and Burleigh will always be some of my most treasured years. She was always a second mom to me, cared for me in some of my hardest struggles and rejoiced in some of my most amazing special moments. She was a babysitter for both of my kids when they were babies on up. She didn’t charge much either. For those who know, you know. Get her a 4 pack and maybe some smokes and she was good to go for the night ♥️
Kippy never stopped smiling up until her final moments. I feel blessed to have gotten to spend a morning visiting with her and letting her visit with my 27 year old son in October whom she was just so tickled to see.
I will never forget her voice, her laugh, her many funny phrases and the way she could look right through you with her side eye glance.
Love you forever Kippy and thank you for being such a big part of my life.
My heart and prayers to all the Schramms… Ganny’s babies, friends and “fam” we lost an amazing woman but I know she is up there, sitting on a lawn chair with Leslie, HalfPint, Nana… Talking up a storm and watching over everyone.
Gerald says
Gerald”BU-BANKZ”I AM REALLY GOING TO MISS YA ON THE “HOLIDAYS”
“KIPSTER”, CALLING OUT TO ME SAYING “WHAT’S UP BU-BANKZ? AND ME ALWAYS FINDING MY WAY TO YOU AND GET A HOLIDAY HUGG!
I’M GONNA REALLY MISS YOU…. LOVE YA KIPSTER!!!
Karan Gernetzke Dudley says
I am so sorry to hear of Kippy’s passing. I have very fond memories of Kippy from our high school years in Shorewood. She had such a dynamic personality and was a ton of fun. I think the last time I saw her was at her mom’s funeral. I am sure she is in a better place and happy to be reunited with all the loved ones that were waiting for her. RIP ❤️
Cynthia Chernoff says
So sorry to hear this! Always cared about her even that we rarely saw each other as adults. She was the most fun childhood friend anyone could have had – intelligent, mischievous, brave, loving – I can still remember giggling with her in grade school at Lake Bluff – she was so cute – and her mother and grandmother and their Shorewood apartment right on Oakland Avenue. “Such a nice girl” – and she stayed nice even when her situation became difficult – as an adult she rose to it all successfully raising children/family she adored. Someone to love and admire – a real loss to the world. My condolences to the family. I love you Kippy! Cynthia (Cindy back in the day)
Ellen Saffro Gambrell says
Dearest Kippy – I remember you with such love. I have so many fond memories of you at Lake Bluff and SHS. I still recall when you phoned our home to let us know that my little brother was wandering around on Oakland. I pray that you rest in everlasting peace with God surrounding you and your loved ones. Your name will always be for a blessing.
Darlene Castro says
Man, I’m gonna miss you talking about my hair… hahaha!
You were a delight to serve!
You made my work day a blast!
I wish I knew you longer ..surely you were one for the books !
Darlene Castro says
I will miss you talking about my hair😂
You were a delight to serve and made my work days such a blast when I saw you
I will miss you and only wish I knew you longer
Debra Moll says
Sorry to hear Kippy passed away. May she rest in peace 🙏
Brad Johnston says
Love and prayers for you Kippy.
Would it be that our souls will meet and play on the swingset amongst the streaming gardens of Heaven.