Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, for a visitation from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
A service celebrating and honoring Katie’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.
Her interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Please check back on Saturday for a complete obituary.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Miller's Flowers
MOUNT PLEASANT – On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Kathryn Doperalski, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes in her home. Katie was a loving friend, sister, aunt, and colleague.
Katie was born in Racine, Wisconsin in 1954 to Raymond and Regina Doperalski. As a child, Katie enjoyed spending time with her aunt and uncle where she helped with tending to the rose garden and raising chickens, sparking her love for plants and animals.
Katie had a love for lifelong learning. After high school, she earned a degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin Parkside. Later, she furthered her career and education by obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Katie had a strong passion for helping others. She devoted her life serving the most at-risk and vulnerable populations through her 30+ year career as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse (RN). Her nursing career was spent with Milwaukee County in various departments including, Behavioral Health’s Child and Adolescent Unit, the House of Corrections and the last ten years in Mobile Crisis Services. In addition, since 2007 Katie worked for Milwaukee County’s Juvenile Detention center. Those around her would agree that being a psychiatric RN was her true calling in life.
Katie was well known as a beloved colleague and caregiver. She had an endless amount of empathy for others and strived to bring joy to life through her bright colors and positive energy each and every day. She was known by her family for her generosity. At any opportunity, especially Christmas, she loved showering her nieces, nephew, and great nieces and nephews with gifts. Katie was quick-witted, kind, charismatic, and could easily form connections with anyone she met. She also enjoyed traveling with friends and exploring new places. Katie’s spirituality and faith were integral to her life.
Katie is survived by her siblings John Doperalski, David Doperalski, and Margaret Clark (Larry). Six nieces, one nephew, four great nephews, and three great nieces. Katie is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Regina Doperalski.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, for a visitation from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A service celebrating and honoring Katie’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Her interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Sara Coleman says
Oh, Katie. How lovely to open this and see your smiling face. That’s how you’ll be remembered for sure. I will miss you and your dedication to your coworkers, your patients, your celebrating and your decorating. Goodbye, Katie.
Valeria Gilbert says
I’m glad I had the pleasure to meet you such a wonderful person
Anna Diaz says
Katie,
You encouraged me while a case manager to pursue my Master’s Degree and to make sure I applied for the Crisis Mobile Team once I graduated and got my 3000 hours. Thankfully I was able to start on the team shortly after I graduated and was able to work alongside of you. I always appreciated your support and advice. You will be greatly missed!
Gina Bartoszewicz says
I will forever remember your love and skill for decorating at Christmas. You brought a smile to everyone with the joy and spirit of Christmas. I am grateful to have known you and worked alongside you.
Joe Doperalski says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Kathy. We send our love to you all. Our prayers go out to all her siblings and family. She will be greatly missed. She is now in the amazing glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gwen Thompson says
Rest my friend
We had some Beautiful time and memorable time.Working together at Piggly Wiggle
Mark F. Parco says
Sorry to hear. Katie was a Sweetheart. Fondly remember her from high school and her early days at Sambo’s restaurant. Prayers for the family, especially brother John.
Kenneth brooks says
I’m so sorry John, David, and Margaret to just hear of the passing of your sister Kathy! My sincere condolences to all of you, and your families, whose lives she surely touched. It’s so sad and a shock to hear of another loss of one of my cousins! My prayers are with you all during this time .
Larry Jeter says
Katie will be truly missed. Mobile will not be the same.
Carol says
There are no words to describe the feeling of loss,there is a just a hole in my life that Katie used to fill.
Colleen Makowka says
I am so saddened by your loss Katie, you were the best client, always on time, never missed a appointment. I always looked forward to talking to you. I knew something was very wrong when you didnt come for your appointment on Friday. I will miss all your stories about decorating for the holidays, and I will certainly miss your friendship. I miss you already Katie. Rest in peace friend.
Linda Hermann says
Although we haven’t seen each others for years, we’ll always be friends and remembered fondly. I always will remember you with a smile on my face. We had some great times playing softball. Left Field was your spot just as I’m sure Heaven is now. Rest In Peace my friend.
Nancy Czechowicz says
My dear friend, Katie, I’ll come and say goodbye to you. You helped me so much in my time of upheaval! You were always next to me, coaching me forward. You would even drive behind me, to make sure I got to my destination. We did have lots of good times too. I only hope that you knew how much you meant to me.!!! We will get together.. Thanks for being you! I love you.❤️ 🤗
Ursula Wendt says
Katie, I wish we would have had contact with each other the last several years. I had really missed you. Our friendship began 50 years ago and it’s so sad to see it end like this. Too young to be gone. Margaret, please contact me so I can get a copy of all the pictures that you had for the celebration of life for our Katie. Rest in peace Katie. Love, Ursula
Kirstin Juzenas says
Katie, you were one of a kind. You always made me laugh especially when you told stories about the interesting mobiles you went on. I also love when you would tell me that you were going to CSH to do your mom duties with the clients. No one will be able to decorate the office for all the holidays like you and mobile will never be the same without you. I will truly miss you. Rest in peace Katie.
Gary Doperalski says
So sorry to hear about Kathy. She will be missed by many, but she is now with the Lord. Praying for the family.
Anonymous says
Sending condolences to John, David and Margaret on the loss of Kathy. We were kids together and had so many fun times! Mary (MacKnight) Jorgensen
Mary (MacKnight) Jorgensen says
My sincere condolences to John, David and Margaret on the loss of Kathy. We were kids together and had many fun times!
EMILY BERRES says
Katie was my friend at Mental Health and ai enjoyed going to see plays with her and Lynn and then going out to eat and discuss the play that we had just seen. It was a fun time with great memories made. I will miss her.
Lorrie Clarey says
I am so sad to learn that Katie was called home so soon. We became friends over 20 years ago when we she trained me at the House of Correction. We soon discovered that our lives had circled around each other for years without knowing it. No one can match the generosity of thought and love she showered on those who knew her. I have missed Katie as life’s responsibilities pulled at our ability to get together in recent years. When she didn’t acknowledge her birthday card, I thought she must be on one of her wonderful travels and looked forward to hearing all about it. I will continue to miss Katie until we meet again. Katie was a kind, wise, Old Soul. Our world is a better place for having been blessed with her gifts. My condolences to all. Rest in peace my dear friend.