Kathleen Chicken

Kathleen Chicken, 45, of Waucoma, died Oct. 3, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waucoma with interment in the church cemetery with Arin Rausch, Collin Rausch, Braydin Rausch, Alex Rausch and Jared Rausch serving as pallbearers and a meal to follow at the Waucoma event center. Visitation was set from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church Oct. 9 with a 3:30 p.m. Rosary and visitation continuing an hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Waucoma has been entrusted with Kathleen's arrangements.

Born Oct. 6, 1977, in Decorah, she was the cherished third child of Robert and Mary (Mister) Rausch, joining a family of four siblings. Kathleen's life was one filled with love, laughter and a deep commitment to her family.

She embarked on her educational journey in a tight-knit community in northeast Iowa, attending Turkey Valley High School and graduating with the class of 1996. It was during this time that Kathleen began to shape the remarkable life that would unfold before her. Fate had a hand in her destiny when she crossed paths with Jason Chicken while working at Signode in West Union. Their love story blossomed, and they exchanged vows Sept. 27, 2008, at the Stapleton Lutheran Church in rural Waucoma. From that moment forward, Kathleen and Jason's love was a source of inspiration for all who knew them. Family was the cornerstone of Kathleen's existence, and she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She and Jason were blessed with three beautiful children - Nora and the twins, Elijah and Lydia. Kathleen wholeheartedly embraced her role as a loving mother, dedicating her days to raising her children with boundless love and care. She took immense joy in imparting life's lessons to them, ensuring that they grew up with the values she held dear.

Kathleen was a woman of the great outdoors, unafraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. She maintained a bountiful garden, delighted in family camping adventures, and had a deep affection for all creatures, big and small. Together, they tapped maple trees for syrup, cultivated gardens, and preserved their harvest through canning. She had a special connection with nature, often seen barefoot in the grass, where she felt most at peace.

Beyond her role as a devoted wife and mother, Kathleen served her community as a first responder for the city of Waucoma, and an active member of the Waucoma little league board. Later, as her children grew and entered school, she shared her talents by working at M&M Pizzas in St. Lucas and in the school kitchen at Turkey Valley. Her unwavering dedication to those around her was evident in every aspect of her life.

In the words of her loving husband, Jason, "When I walked into a room, I always knew I was the lucky one there because he had the most beautiful girl in that room sitting next to me." Kathleen's radiant smile, warm heart, and unyielding love will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Kathleen Chicken's passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved her. In her legacy, we find inspiration to cherish our loved ones and embrace the beauty of the world around us.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Jason, of Waucoma; one son, Elijah Chicken, of Waucoma; two daughters Nora and Lydia Chicken, of Waucoma; parents, Robert and Mary Rausch, of Waucoma; in-laws, Vickie and Kurt Chicken, of Clermont; two brothers, Mike (Amie) Rausch, of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, and Richard Rausch, of Waucoma; one sister, Debra (Alex) Rolfes, of Waterville, Minnesota; one brother-in-law, Matt (Amber) Chicken, of Clermont; 10 nieces and nephews, Alex Rausch, Jared Rausch, Collin Rausch, Arin Rausch, Braydin Rausch, Owen Rolfes, Elliott Rolfes, Mason Rolfes, Abby Chicken, Anna Chicken; one great-nephew, Stetson Rausch.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.