Kathleen A. Cordell

Kathleen “Kathy” A. Cordell, age 74, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Whispering Pines in Ripon.

Kathy was born on June 2, 1952, daughter of Walter, Sr. and Evelyn (Mace) Plagenz. She graduated from Ripon High School. She married Gilbert Cordell in 1976 and they enjoyed 50 years together. She started out as a waitress at Braun’s Restaurant in Ripon and later became a great cook there for 22 years. Kathy also worked at Laser Excel in Green Lake, WI and Ripon Award Jackets in Berlin, WI over the years. Cooking and baking were her passions, she loved her time in the kitchen. She also enjoyed fishing with Gilbert, and was always up for gambling and playing cards.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Gilbert Cordell of Ripon, WI; a sister, Suzanne (Dale) Williquette of Pine River, WI; several nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter, Sr. and Evelyn Plagenz; and brothers, Walter, Jr., James, and Dennis; and a niece, Sheryl.

A private, family memorial service for Kathy will take place at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home in Ripon, followed by inurnment at Kingston Cemetery, Kingston, WI.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Markesan Resident Home in Markesan; Whispering Pines in Ripon; as well as Moments Hospice for their wonderful care of Kathy.