Kathryn "Katy" Hayes (Bank) Lauritsen

Kathryn “Katy” Hayes (Bank) Lauritsen, 48, of Milltown, Wisconsin, passed away at her home on Friday, January 13, 2023, with her loving family at her side. Katy was born in Minneapolis on September 23, 1974, to Kent and Suzy Bank with a bright spirit and a full head of dark, thick hair. 

Raised in Edina, MN with her brothers, Chris and Adam, Katy attended Our Lady of Grace where she was a proud Brownie, led by her mother, Suzy.  Katy went to Edina schools and graduated from Benilde St. Margaret’s where she was student council president.  She was a high school cheerleader and a print and video model, something many don’t know as Katy was exceptionally modest.  After high school, Katy attended Dayton University in Ohio where she met the Fab 5, who became lifelong friends. 

Katy had always wanted to be a mother and was blessed with Ashley and Austin.  They were her greatest joys.  She was as excited to welcome Nate as her stepson when she married her true love, Jason Lauritsen.  Jason was with Katy for the countless hospital visits and stays.  Jason celebrated Katy’s positive attitude and fighting spirit and he was there with the best bear hug for hard news. They were just grateful to do it together. 

Family was so important to Katy. She loved having everyone together at Half Moon Lake.  Although getting in the lake was rare for her, she was always ready as “dry mom” with snacks and crafts for the kids and a cocktail for the adults. 

Supporting others and her Milltown, WI community was a part of Katy.  She shared her bright light volunteering in so many areas, served as church lector and delighted in owning Little Loons Preschool, and is still loved by her preschool students today.  Before she was diagnosed with cancer, she walked the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk five times in support of her friend.  When Katy needed support, her community and the 3-Day friends quickly returned the love.  It meant so much to her.  

Katy’s bright spirit touched so many across the country.  Her loving smile and disarming nature drew people close.  “Because we knew you, we’ve been changed for good.”  

Katy will be truly missed!

Katy leaves to celebrate her memory: her mother, Suzanne Bank Bank Wintz and her husband George; Katy’s husband, Jason Lauritsen; her children, Ashley and Austin Johnson;, stepson, Nathan Lauritsen; brothers, Adam Bank and Christian (Stacia) Bank;, niece and nephews, Afton, Sayer and Ryan Bank and other loving family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her father Kent.

A Memorial Mass for Katy will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. with a visitation from 11:00 A.M. until the time of Mass.

The service will be live-streamed on Our Lady of the Lakes Facebook page. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Hospital or the donor’s choice.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with Katy’s arrangements.

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