Katarina Both

Waukesha – Katarina Both, 94 years old, passed away at her grandson’s home on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. She is again with her beloved husband and daughter in heaven.

Katarina was born in Mucsi, Hungary, on September 12, 1922, to Johann and Anna Maria (Siefert) Mercz. She married Johann Both on October 14, 1943, in Budapest, Hungary. They eventually came to the United States in 1952, and along with many Mucsi residents, settled in the Milwaukee area. She absolutely loved gardening, riding her lawn tractor at top speed (until the tree incident), splitting logs (yes, she did…until she cut off part of her finger to which she responded,  “I’ve got nine others”), cooking and baking every day, caring for her dogs, and loving her family. She took special pride in keeping a spotless house, keeping her family well-fed with fabulous cooking, laughing and telling fabulous stories about growing up in southern Hungary.

She is survived by three children: Emma Both of Waukesha, Anna (Andrew) Staudacher, and Elizabeth (Bob Unke) Both; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johann Both; and daughter, Franciska Anderson.

Funeral services will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, March 31, 2017. A visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM with a short service to follow. Interment Highland Memorial Park Cemetery.

Special thanks especially to grandson Steven Both and great-grandson Steven J. Both for being instrumental in making the last few years of her life as comfortable as possible.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Michael VonRueden at Columbia St. Mary’s.