Catherine L. “Cathy” Gifford age 81 of Menomonie died Tuesday May 26, 2015 at the Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar in Menomonie.

 Cathy was born April 11, 1934 in Waterville Township, rural Arkansaw Wisconsin.  She was the daughter of Vernon L. and Bessie I. (Shaw) Caturia and grew up on the family farm.  Cathy attended Forest Vale Elementary School and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1952.  Cathy attended Dunn County Teacher’s College and the University of Wisconsin-Stout.  She married Kenneth Gifford in 1953 and they later divorced.  Cathy taught Elementary School in Dunn County for many years.  Cathy went back to college and received her Bachelor’s degree in interior design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Cathy enjoyed working and collecting and selling antiques, and spending time with family and friends.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, Kristen (Paul) Hofland of Baldwin; six grandchildren, Hunter Angell, Heather Puleo, Joshua Puleo, Ethan Hofland, Elling Hofland, Elias Hofland; three brothers, Vernon (Ruth) Caturia of Menomonie, Cal (Ann) Caturia of Stillwater, MN, Michael (Lois) Caturia of Pepin and her ex-husband, Ken Gifford of Maiden Rock.

 She is preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Karen Ann Caturia.

 A Time of Gathering and remembering will held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Saturday May 30, 2015 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie.  Burial will be in the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Menomonie is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Joan Sandfort June 3, 2015, at 10:23am

   Dear family,
   I extend my sympathy to all of you. I taught at Coddington Elem. School in the late 60's. I was a new teacher and Catherine offered support through that " adventurous" first teaching year. We had many laughs! She was a grand, creative woman!

2. Timothy Broetzmann May 31, 2015, at 10:35am

   Cathy stayed at Comforts of Home - Memory Care where my mother was also a resident. I would see Cathy coming and going from my twice daily visits with my mother. We would kid each other about the speed limits and school zones in the hallways. Even in her later years should would still cross her legs like a young lady.

3. Penny Olson Holden May 29, 2015, at 9:18pm

   I am from Knapp and Mrs.Gifford was teaching there,she was very sweet and kind.I am very sad that I didn't get to see her in later years.
   Penny Olson Holden

4. Mary (Hartung) Fesenmaier May 29, 2015, at 1:45pm

   My sincere sympathy to all of Catherine's family.
   I remember her when she was young and worked in my parent's store in Arkansaw.
   She was a very nice lady.

5. Renee May 27, 2015, at 8:48pm

   I'm sorry you are mourning the loss of Catherine. I hope you can find comfort in Jesus' promise of a resurrection found at John 5:28. Please visit jw.org for more Bible based comfort and answers to some of life's biggest questions. Many that have gone through difficult times such as what you are experiencing have benefited from the information on this site. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

   Sincerely,
   Renee

6. Brad and Elizabeth Hughes May 27, 2015, at 7:09pm

   Kristen we are so sorry for your loss of your mama. May she rest in peace in Gods arms.

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