Mary Catherine Petelle

Mary Catherine “Cathy” Petelle, 75 years of West Bend, Wisconsin passed away quietly on Sunday afternoon, Dec 7, 2025 at Froedtert hospital. She was well loved and attended by close family during her passing. Cathy was born March 30, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois to Leo Charles and Margaret Elizabeth (Banks) Petelle.

Growing up, Cathy was both a tom-boy and a class clown, but she bragged mostly about being the caretaker for her younger siblings. From diapers to meals to getting us all to school on time, she felt it was her duty through her 8 years of grade school at Holy Cross.

Later, while at LaSalle high school, her care taking bent turned into social action, anti-war and civil rights. She fell in love with the music of the time, especially folk music. That love stayed with her throughout her life.

Later, after dabbling in the visual arts for a while, she returned to her natural ways. She got her GED and proceeded to take Licensed Professional Nursing (LPN) classes at Ivy Tech and South Western Michigan College, from which she graduated.

Her favorite work was in home care for infants and toddlers. Before moving to Wisconsin, she got experience in some area nursing homes. She was very proud when she was asked to teach upcoming LPNs at Healthwin Hospital.

Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory include a son, Jacob Fenton and two brothers and their partners, Leon and Nancy Petelle of New Jersey, and Joseph and Jade Petelle of California, a brother-in-law, Larry Laskowski of Indiana, and two sisters, Anne Petelle of Indiana, and Maggie Marzec of Virginia. Also, many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, Cathy was preceded in death by her partner of many years, Carol Rode, and a sister J. Celeste “Bunny” Laskowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Cathy will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, 415 Roosevelt Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin, followed by a Funeral Luncheon from Noon until 2:00 pm at The Columbian, 3245 Lighthouse Lane, West Bend, Wisconsin. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mary’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.