Kathryn M. Stites, age 71, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life late Saturday evening, December 1, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

Kathryn was born on October 4, 1947 in Green Bay. She was the daughter of the late Carl and Evelyn Kessler Gerlach.  Kathryn was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy in Green Bay with the class of 1966.  She continued her education at St. Norbert College in DePere where she received her bachelor's degree in education.  On August 1, 1981 she married Thomas Stites in Green Bay.  He preceded her in death.  Kathryn was a substitute teacher in past years in Brown, Kewaunee, and Manitowoc County.  In the 1990's Kathryn was a realtor for Prestige Realty in Green Bay.  While living in Green Bay Kathryn became a Certified Nursing Assistant and was employed for Prestige Manor and other facilities in Green Bay.  Using her realtor experience, Kathryn became the City Assessor for Algoma.

Kathryn was a member of the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble where she played the French horn. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, she loved music and singing hymns at her church.  Kathryn was a volunteer for the Habitat for Humanity and was a recipient of a Habitat house.  Kathryn enjoyed baking, making candy, drawing, writing books, music and songs.  She was a student of sign language and used it in the hospital to communicate with family.

She is survived by her children: Michael of Waupun, Timothy and Jason both of Milwaukee, Thomas and Carl both of Manitowoc, and stepdaughter Jennifer of Manitowoc; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren, brothers and sisters to include:  David (Pam), James (Judy), Thomas, Robert, Anne, Tim (Linda), Jo (Steve), and Jane; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents:  Carl and Evelyn Gerlach; husband:  Thomas; step mother:  Beatrice Gerlach; two sisters:  Nancy and Carol.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Matthew Sauer. Relatives and friends may call at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m.  Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials in Kathryn's name. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.