Obituary: Catherine “Kate” Onan (LeClair)

May 18, 1929 – Aug. 29, 2023

Catherine “Kate” Onan (LeClair) passed away peacefully on Aug. 29, 2023 at the age of 94 in Port Washington, Wisconsin. 

Kate was born on May 18, 1929 in Jacksonport, Wisconsin to Bert and Sophie LeClair. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her eight siblings – John, George, Richard, Joseph, Louis, Mary, Gilbert and Robert.  Kate is survived by her three children, Roby (Karen) Onan, Kevin (Jan) Onan, and Kim (Kevin) Schultz, and by her 8 beloved grandchildren; Theresa, Alyssa, Luke, Zach (Becca), Jake, Becky, Evan, and Nicholas. 

Kate spent her childhood in Door County and viewed Jacksonport as her true home. After marrying Colin “Collie” Onan and raising their children in Mequon, Kate returned to Jacksonport where she loved hosting her kids and grandkids in her beachfront home. Kate adored walking the Jacksonport beach to Hibbard’s Creek and spending time with her brothers Joe and Richard as well as many LeClair cousins, nieces, and nephews. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends and enjoyed listening to the conversations around her while she cleaned up crumbs from the most recent meal with her yellow sponge. Her grandkids remember never-ending bowls of red jello and ice cream served in Granny’s kitchen. In her later years; Kate lived in Cedarburg, Wausau, and Port Washington. Kate was an avid Brewers and Packers fan and you could usually hear a game on the radio or television in the background. Kate always kept the mood light and brought laughs to every room with a funny face or expression in any conversation. Kate attended the Catholic Church in every community she lived in and could often be observed praying the rosary. 

Kate’s family would like to thank the staff of Ellen’s Home in Port Washington for their kind and loving care every day in her final years. Kate will be buried in St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Jacksonport, Door County. Memorial services for Kate will be held at a later date. Donations and gifts in Kate’s honor can be made to Stella Maris Parish- St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Door County or to any Door County-based charitable organization.