Kae E. Lieberman, 75 of Eau Claire, WI passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems – Eau Claire after a courageous fight against cancer that ended way too soon.
Kae was born to Wesley and Vera (Bullene) Nissalke on July 23, 1943 in Winona, MN. She attended Winona State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and her master’s degree in Education at UW-Eau Claire. She was a teacher for 31 years, starting in 1967 and retiring in 1998 as a kindergarten teacher for the Eau Claire School District. Kae donated yearly to Feed My Children and Eau Claire Literacy Foundation to insure children had books to read and food for the holidays. She was very giving and had a heart of gold especially for her only Granddaughter Paige. Through teaching and donations, Kae touched thousands of children’s lives and up to the end, wanted to make sure donations continued. She enjoyed vacationing in Florida and spending time at her cabin in Chetek with friends and family.
Kae is survived by her son Jeffry (Jennifer) Lieberman (FL); grandchildren Paige Lieberman (WI); brother Alan Nissalke (FL); significant other of 34 years John Wald (WI); ex-husband Bill Lieberman (WI) whom known for 60 years and other relatives and special friends.
Kae was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gary Nissalke.
“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart.” -Eleanor Roosevelt. Kae has done absolutely this and will be dearly missed
Visitation will be Friday, April 26, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel with Chaplin Tracy Kennedy officiating. Burial will follow the service at Oak Park Cemetery in Mondovi, WI. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
Kae and I grew up in the same neighborhood, and attended WK in Winona from Kindergarten through ninth grade, and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1961. I have many fond memories of going to her house to play in grade school and junior high, staying at the Boathouse, going on the Mississippi River, being WK cheerleaders, and we were both Officers for the WK Chorus. I am saddened by her death, and my sympathy is with you. from Rita Konkel Thompson
So many awesome memories I have were with Kae! She was such a kind and giving person, and I loved her positive attitude! She had overwhelming love for her granddaughter (my daughter) Paige, and was there for me when I needed her most, to make me laugh, and say “F~~ it” while we cried and laughed our heads off. She was always like a mom and best friend. I remember watching her teach Kindergarten kids prior to her retirement, and they all just loved her! Jeff (her son) would bring his police dog named “Gruff” (Kae called him “Jip”), into her classroom, and Kae was so proud of him! (Jeff too!) ;). She beamed with pride. Then she’d jump onto the piano to play a quick round of ‘Comin’ round the mountain’. Just cracked me up! I could always count on the kindness of Kae, and I believe she will be greatly rewarded in heaven!
Jeff,
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and family
Jeff,
It has been many years since I’ve seen your mom and wasn’t aware of her fight with cancer. I’m very sorry for your loss. She was such a great lady and fortunate to have such a great life doing what she loved. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Taught with Kae at Mt. Washington Elem. School in Eau Claire 1981-1982. Kae was peppy and fun to be around. Her passing away will indeed leave a void. .my sympathy goes out to her loved ones.
Kae will be greatly missed by many, including myself. We had many good times through the many years we knew each other. There were not so good times also. We helped each other alot through those dark times.
I’ll miss you Kae!!
Love ? You!!
Jack
Jeff and Family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Kae and I were best friends in high school and the early years out of school. When I graduated a year after Kae we took her car and went on a road trip to Milwaukee, just to have a fun time by ourselves. We spent many weekends on the river, where I learned how to waterski with her or Gary driving the boat. I have so many wonderful memories of her and how lucky I was to have her for a friend. I was her maid of honor when she and Bill were married. I have pictures of her wedding and also ones of you and her in the hospital after you were born and one at 6-1/2 months. In going through my things I found a Christmas letter she sent in 1979, that she had wanted to send in 1978. Enclosed with the card was a letter that you wrote when you were in 7th grade, talking about everything you were involved with in sports, school, motorcycle, drums and that you were “just crazy about girls” (I’m sure your Mom was a big help there). We haven’t kept in touch for a lot of years, but I’ll never forget her and will remember her fondly. Kae was the “real deal”. Let me know if you want any of the things I’ve talked about. With deepest sympathy,
Nancy (Schultz) Radefeldt
My sincere condolences to Jeff , Bill and the entire Lieberman family. May Kae rest in peace.
Jeff,
Kae was just a pure wonderful person.
She made my Winona high school days brighter.
I’ll never forget her.
Ever.
God bless you and all your family.
Kae was kind and caring with a good sense of humor. She loved her family and friends very much! You have my sympathy. Keep her good memories close to your heart!
Kae is now a super star shining in the sky!
My condolences during this hard time.
K. Raskin
Jeff and Paige,
May the memories of your Mother/Grandmother which you hold closest to your heart be a comfort today and always.
With Sympathy.
I attended school and graduated with Kae. She attended many class reunions here in Winona. She was always an upbeat person, with a sense of humor, and had a ready smile. I am quite sure she will be remembered by many with fond memories from our hearts. Rosie
My heart sank when I saw Kae’s obituary. Our family has been camping neighbors with John and Kae for the last 6 years. As we would start into the cul-de-sac we were always eager to check to see if John and/or Kae’s cars were there. She was the kindest lady. She was always up for a good chat and chuckle and always complimented my son on what a great young man he is. Thanks for all the great times at the camper Kae. You only get one life and apparently you did it right! Hugs to John, Jeff, Paige and the rest of the family. Love and thoughts are with you.
Kae was my idol when we attended W.H.S. She was such an inspiration to me, we spent hours on the phone many nights. She was in the 1961 graduating class and I graduated in 1963. She was like the Big Sister that I didn’t have, at home. Her brother, Gary, was in my class and was so attractive, he and Rene Walz were the cutest couple. So difficult to realize that they are both gone forever. Kae has been on my mind lately, so today I tried to call her and was given the shocking news of her passing. She is a significant part of my high school years, NEVER to be forgotten. I Love you, Kae, Rest In Eternal Peace ☮️
Grandma Kay was like my real grandma. When my mother (Kim) remarried, she always made sure to keep in touch with her. The piano she had always loved is now sitting in my downstairs room where I can play to my heart’s content. Everytime I open it, the strong smell of old smoke rushes into the room. I still visit her grave often to remind her that I still constantly think of her. Grandpa John(her husband) died not too long ago as well.. He was always so sad and always grieving about her not being there with him. But I’m happy that they are reunited again. My grandma died on easter, so my my mother (Kim) and sister (Paige) though that it was a good sign but, all that I could think about, was that she was gone. I cried that day for hours on end. I miss her so much and hope that she loved me as much as I loved her. <3