Kenosha – Kathy Jean Strickland, 61, passed away at her residence on Friday, May 29, 2015.  She was born in Sparta, WI, on August 25, 1953, daughter of the late Paul and Lois (nee: Robinson) Muetze.

Kathy graduated from Tremper High School in 1971.  She was the co-owner of the Paperback Exchange in Racine and Kenosha.  Kathy loved books and reading, especially cookbooks.  Cooking was another love in Kathy's life.  She was a gourmet cook and loved cooking for others.  Kathy also enjoyed traveling with her life partner, Jean.  They enjoyed destinations all over the country and also the Caribbean.  Some of their favorite destinations are Florida, Jamaica, and St. Croix.  Kathy was a wonderful mom, sister, daughter, and friend.  She will be dearly missed by her entire family.

Kathy leaves to cherish her memory, her life partner, Jean Pignotti of Kenosha; children, Tamara (Brad) Ingle of Mesa, AZ, Jesse (Melissa) Strickland of Augusta, GA, Jayden Lee of Kenosha; grandchildren, John Belongia, Jared Long, Joseph Long, Malinda Madison, Isabella Ingle, Jesse Ingle, Noah Strickland, Olivia Strickland; brother, Kenneth Muetze of South Dakota; and sister, Peggy DiNardo of Clearwater, FL.

In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by her brother, Terry Muetze.

A memorial celebration of Kathy's life will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2015, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.