Kathleen Anne Kusilek, age 88, of River Falls, died peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Comforts of Home in River Falls. Kathleen was born on September 18, 1936, in River Falls, the daughter of Earl and Elizabeth (Hawkinson) Weishaar. She was raised in River Falls and graduated from River Falls High School in the class of 1954. During this time, she met and fell in love with River Falls native LeRoy Kusilek. They courted and were united in marriage on July 2, 1955, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. This union was further blessed with seven children. Kathleen was a devoted homemaker who cherished being a mom. Over the years, she also worked as a beautician and Kathleen and LeRoy owned the Dairy Bar in River Falls for many years and then she worked as a pharmacy technician for Ben Franklin and Snyder Drug in River Falls.
Kathleen was a fantastic baker and cook. She had an open-door policy where her children’s friends almost became one of their own, spending just as much time at the Kusileks as they did at their own homes. She could cook for an army, and her deer hunting breakfasts were amazing. Her beef vegetable soup and roast beef and potatoes was comfort food at its best. Many laughs and memories were made on Friday nights with friends playing 500 and even poker. But be prepared—the laughter only went so far when the game got competitive. She looked forward to Lenten fish fries, a quiet afternoon with her crossword puzzles or solitaire. Kathleen loved to cheer on the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. She also looked forward to fresh vegetables from LeRoy’s garden and canning tomatoes, salsa, or savoring some good cucumbers as pickles. Her favorite might have been spending afternoons with her girls, shopping or just having lunch. Furthermore, her grandchildren were the apple of her eye, and she always had the biggest smile when they were around.
Kathleen was civic-minded, serving as a devout member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women and working for many years at the River Falls Town Board elections.
Kathleen will forever remain in the hearts of her husband and best friend, LeRoy; her children Rebecca (David) Cudd, Susie (Chris) Warner, Dan(Gabriella) Kusilek, Tim (Jill) Kusilek, Shari (Brian) Coggins, Jim (Barb) Kusilek, and Nancy (Dennis) Feyereisen; her grandchildren Nick (Sarah), Beaumont, Perris (Ali), Madeline (Stewart), Nitalia, Gianina, Giovanni, Adam (Amanda), Sarah (Keith), Seth (Kayla), Taylor (Shannon), Bailey, Stephanie (Matt), and Bradly (Clara); as well as her 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Kathleen was greeted in heaven by her parents, sister Helen, brother Earle (Bud), grandson Christopher Cudd, and great-granddaughter Lennie Kusilek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass. A time of fellowship and food will follow the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Memorials are preferred at the discretion of the family. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of River Falls.