Catherine Mary Nytes, affectionately known as “Cacky,” was born on September 10, 1935, to Joseph and Alice Stier. She grew up on North Commercial Street above her father’s grocery store, alongside her nine siblings. Her younger brother, Joe, gave her the nickname “Cacky” when she was very young, a name that stayed with her throughout her life.

Cacky graduated from St. Mary Central High School in 1953. On May 17, 1958, she married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Nytes, at St. Patrick Parish in Menasha. Together, they celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage, a testament to their love and devotion to one another.

Cacky and Jerry began their married life on Hwy 55 on the south side of Kaukauna, where they spent many wonderful years before moving to their home on Lake Winnebago. They enjoyed 44 years of lakeside living, creating cherished memories and forming lasting friendships with their neighbors.

Together, they raised three sons: Daniel (Anja Pekkarinen) of Wauwatosa, David (Laurie) of Kaukauna, and Dale (Tiffany) of Neenah. Cacky was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren.

Cacky began her working career at Marathon Corporation in Menasha shortly after graduating from high school. After starting her family and moving to Kaukauna, she joined The Kaukauna Times, where she dedicated more than 32 years to writing, editing, and managing the circulation department. Following retirement, she continued giving back to her community by volunteering and teaching reading at Tanner School in Kaukauna for more than 10 years.

Cacky embraced life with enthusiasm and had countless interests. She loved reading, sewing, quilting, camping, golf leagues, dance club, bowling, playing dominoes, and wood carving with the Mid-Wisconsin Chippers. She and Jerry shared a love of traveling and proudly visited all 50 states together. She also enjoyed staying active at the YMCA.

Above all, Cacky treasured her family. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, plays, and dance competitions. She took great pride in celebrating their accomplishments and creating special memories with each of them.

The kitchen was truly the heart of Cacky’s home, and it was where she shared so much of her love with family and friends. She had an incredible passion for cooking and baking, and nothing brought her greater joy than preparing delicious homemade meals and sweet treats for the people she loved. Whether she was hosting holiday gatherings, baking something special for her grandchildren, or simply bringing everyone together around the table, Cacky had a way of making every occasion feel special. Her kitchen was always filled with wonderful aromas, laughter, and love. For Cacky, cooking was never just about the food; it was about creating memories, sharing traditions, and making everyone gathered around her table feel loved and cared for.

Her faith and church community were an important part of Cacky’s life. She was a devoted member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Kaukauna, where she generously volunteered her time for many years. She ran the Cherry Tree game at the annual church picnic and taught CCD classes. Cacky often shared her belief that “Whatever you give to the church, you get double back in blessings.”

Cacky also remained actively involved in planning her high school class reunions. She cherished the lifelong friendships she developed with her classmates and enjoyed bringing everyone together.

Cacky is survived by her three sons: Daniel (Anja Pekkarinen) of Wauwatosa; David (Laurie) of Kaukauna; and Dale (Tiffany) of Neenah; her six grandchildren: Cassandra Nytes, M.D., Brianna Nytes, Anna Pekkarinen, Ben Nytes, Abby Nytes, and Landon Nytes; her former daughter-in-law, Taina Nytes; her brother, Pete (Sue) Stier; her sister, Barbara Krupka; and her brother-in-law, James Gillitzer.

She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Cacky was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry; her parents, Joseph and Alice Stier; her in-laws, Bernard and Lucy Nytes; her brothers, Joseph (Tilly) Stier, Thomas Stier, Richard Stier, Kenneth (Ruth) Stier, and Robert (Kathy) Stier; her sisters, Carol Maher and Joan Gillitzer; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, LaVerne (Walter) Stahl; and her brother-in-law, Dennis Krupka.

Cacky will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, her infectious joy, her unwavering faith, and her extraordinary ability to see the good in everyone she met. She had a beautiful way of making others feel valued, loved, and appreciated, always putting the happiness and needs of those around her before her own. Her warmth, compassion, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. The world was simply a brighter and happier place because Cacky was in it.

Cacky’s book of life was a beautiful one, rich with love, laughter, family, friendship, and countless acts of kindness. She touched so many lives throughout her 91 years, and those fortunate enough to have known her will carry her love and memory in their hearts forever.

Visitation will be held November 11, 2026, at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH – ST. MARY CHURCH (119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna) from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Luke Ferris will officiate. Committal St. Mary Cemetery.

Mom, you touched the lives of so many people, and anyone who knew you will undoubtedly miss you. Your love, kindness, and beautiful spirit made the world a better place.

Say a big hello to Dad for all of us up in heaven, Mom. We love you, and we will miss you always.

Love, your family