Kathryn Loras Rykal, 96, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the Chippewa Manor Nursing Home in Chippewa Falls under the care of Heartland Hospice.

                Kathryn was born February 12, 1929 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, the daughter of Albert and Alice (Monpas) Lancette.

                On October 9, 1946, Kathryn married Raymond Frank Rykal at Sacred Heart Church in Jim Falls. She was a member of Notre Dame Church.

                Kathryn worked at Ojibwa, Happy Hour and Woolworth’s.

                Kathryn was an excellent cook and loved to host large gatherings for family and friends. She was a sports enthusiast and excellent card player. She enjoyed gambling and fishing. She was amazingly good at Jeopardy and was our Master Champion.

                Kathryn is survived by 8 of her 10 children: Steve (Mary Beth) Rykal, Rick (Pat) Rykal, Sandy (Dan) Zutter, “Smokey” (Jeanne) Rykal, Mickey (Roy) Warren, Chris (Tom) Borneman, Pattie (Rocky) Rogstad and Robbie (Rob) Rykal-Hub; 25 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

                Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, Sr.; one son, Terry Rykal and daughter-in-law, Mary Jo; one daughter, Linda Meinen; her parents; two brothers, Willard and Albert Lancette; four sisters, Irma Guite, Eldora Knudsen, Elizabeth Beaudette and Margaret Wagner; and infant grandson, Aaron Rykal.

                A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon Monday, June 23 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. Inurnment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

                Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Noon on Monday, June 23 at the church.

                The family would like to express gratitude to the caring staff at the Chippewa Manor and Heartland Hospice. A special thank you to Eddie and Angie, her hospice nurses, for their expertise and gentle guidance.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

A Memorial Mass for Kathryn L. Rykal was held at Noon Monday, June 23 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

                Rev. Tim Oudenhoven was celebrant of the Memorial Mass assisted by Mass server, Mike Korger. Inurnment was in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.

                Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Molly Bushman and Danielle Borneman. Gift bearers were Hope Paulson and Betsy Niesen.

                Urn bearers were Josh Meinen, Chad, Jason, John and Nathan Rykal and Jeremy Zutter.