Colleen Joan Gauthier

(nee Ihlenfeldt) of Milwaukee WI, passed peacefully onto Eternal Sunshine June 2, 2023. Colleen was strong willed who fought the odds against cancer to the age of 78. She will always be in the hearts of her daughters, Shannon Gauthier, Deanna (David) Zwitter and the apple of her eye grandson, Jachob, and her special dog, Taffy and grand puppy, Bella Mia. Colleen will also be terribly missed by her kind nephews, niece and the many special friends from Kilby Lake Campground, Milwaukee Public Schools and many more throughout her life.

Colleen's career knew no bounds including working at St. Romans' School and unknowingly reprimanding her future son-in-law Dave. She started her career in 1983 with the Milwaukee Public Schools as an administrative assistant. Taking her all over the Milwaukee area including the Spanish Immersion School and the Department of Special Services. She was involved in the AFSCME Milwaukee District Council Labor Union. She was able to retire in July 2002.

Colleen very much loved to travel. She loved wildlife, camping, horses, definitely shopping, gardening, playing "Words with Friends" near & far, going out to eat with her girlfriends, camping in Montello WI and the many years of road trips, cruises and various adventures. Don't forget her love of the Brewers and Packers. We'll never forget her almost passing out when Ray Nitschke let her try on his Super Bowl ring. She always loved road trips with Jake, of course shopping and trying out new restaurants with Shannon and sitting on Dave and Dee's deck. Favorite stories include her waking up to a praying mantis on her face in TX, riding horses in Never Summer Mountains and parking her butt on any beach, reading. Colleen's humor, eye-rolls, sarcasm & love were always who she was. She will be so deeply missed by so many but we know she's now sitting on that heavenly beach with her toes in the sand.

Let's celebrate her life together on July 14th, 2023. Memorial Visitation at the Funeral Home from 4-5:30 PM. Memorial Service at 5:30 PM.

PRASSER-KLECZKA

SOUTH SUBURBAN CHAPEL

6080 South 27th Street Milwaukee 414-282-6080