Catherine "Cathy" M. Lastofka

Catherine M., “Cathy” Lastofka, 86, of Oconomowoc, WI found everlasting peace on Sunday, June 11, 2017 with family at her side. Cathy was born July 17, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Stefania and Conrad Backe. She excelled in school and enjoyed a variety of extracurricular activities, including as the lead actress in her high school play. Cathy graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1947 and took a clerical job with a law firm. On February 23, 1952 she married her high school sweetheart, Arthur Lastofka. They were married 64 years. Cathy’s first “career” was as a mother, raising six children in West Bend, WI. She was active on the local school board, in community service groups, and in the West Bend Swim Club, where all the children swam competitively. Cathy especially enjoyed serving as a timer for swim meets. When the youngest child reached school age, Cathy enrolled at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. She was a pioneer in the non-traditional student movement, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from the College of Health Science. Upon graduation, Cathy worked as a medical technologist at St. Joseph Hospital in West Bend until her retirement. Cathy was an enthusiastic member of bowling and golf leagues, amassing a collection of trophies, medals and newspaper articles attesting to her skill. A fierce competitor, she holds the family record for holes-in-one at four. Cathy and Art moved to Arizona in retirement and she remained there until Art’s death in 2016. She thoroughly enjoyed the last chapter of her life at Azura Memory Care in Oconomowoc, WI, where family and staff were blessed to share her delightful sense of humor and compassion for others. Cathy’s favorite word during this time was “blessed.” The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers at Azura who truly made her a beloved member of their special community. Cathy is survived by her six children, Lynn, Susan Marshall, Lori (Gary) Radliff, Stephen, Paul (Angela) and Dean. She is further survived by six grandchildren, Jennifer, Kelly, Cliff, Nick, Joe, and Ian, seven great-grandchildren, Peyton, Maya, Ellie, Lilly, Alexis, Chloe and Joey, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends in Arizona and Wisconsin. A memorial service celebrating Cathy’s life will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 1165 E. Summit Ave., Oconomowoc, WI on July 8, 2017. Visitation begins at 10 am until the service at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Azura Memory Care, Oconomowoc.