Kathleen Ann Griess, known as “Kat” to her children, “Maama” to her grandchildren, and “Gotch” to her siblings, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln.

Kathy was born Aug. 18, 1954, to Norman and Ruth (Nuss) Griess in Aurora. Her childhood was spent on the family farm, north of Sutton. Being the oldest of five children, Kathy was tasked with taking care of her younger siblings and did so unselfishly.

She worked tirelessly throughout her life at various jobs, always focusing on the needs of others. Selling clothes at Van Kirk’s, waitressing at the Sutton Legion Club, keeping books for different organizations, and selling Mary Kay, were jobs she held while living in Sutton.

Kathy wed Gary Schroetlin in 1972. They moved to Geneva in 1976. She worked at Jean’s North clothing store and then began a daycare in her home, caring for many children over the years.

Jobs she had later in life were at the Fitness Center in Geneva, waitressing at Chances R in York and being a caretaker at Mosaic in York.

Kathy was most proud of the amazing and successful children she raised: Ryan (Shirley) Schroetlin of Geneva, Robin (Dave) Johnson of Gordon, and Chad (Angie) Schroetlin of York. She also served as surrogate mom to her youngest sister, Melissa Hanthorn, of rural Henderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Ruth Griess; brother, Lee Allen; and grandson, Danny Ryan Schroetlin.

Kathy is survived by her children: Ryan and Shirley Schroetlin, Robin and Dave Johnson, Chad and Angie Schroetlin; siblings: Steve Griess, Lesa (Clair) Christiancy, and Melissa (Lee) Hanthorn; grandchildren: Tyler and Haley Johnson, Eden, Jake, and Eli Schroetlin, Christy Geiger, Morgan Hrasky, Jen Pribyl, and Jacki Kleinschmidt; greatgrandchildren: Devyn, Knox, Kamryn, Schuyler, Bronx, Sawyer, Hayden, Tux, and Steely; nieces and nephews: Parker, Baylee, Nick, Danielle, Jessica, Noah, Cooper, Caelyn, and Nora. A small family service will be planned at a future date.

Condolences: www.bmlfh.com.