Katie M. Hassler's Obituary
Katie Marie (Baerwald) Hassler 50 of Winona, MN passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2024.
Katie was born on April 3, 1974 in Oshkosh, WI to Lee & Linda (Grable) Baerwald.
Katie attended Sacred Heart School and Oshkosh West High School, graduating in 1992, and then attended Winona State University where she played softball. Katie then pursued her passion by earning her cosmetology license and began a successful career as a hair stylist, building a loyal client base and opening her own salons. Her clients were invaluable to her and she cherished many close relationships built over the years.
Katie had a deep love of reminiscing and laughing about funny stories with both family and friends. Katie was the family “historian,” recalling details and memories with great joy and ease. She had the ability to light up a room with her smile, laughter, and warm affection.
Katie enjoyed music, boating, and being near the water; most recently soaking up the sun and living the “Mexico life” with her loving and devoted partner, Bruce Loken of Winona, MN. She had a big heart, full of gratitude that she so commonly shared with those near to her. Among her passions and interests, being a mother was what she cherished the most. Regardless of life’s challenges, her love for her children never wavered.
She is survived by her three children, Kalin Hassler (23) of Stevens Point, WI, and twins Isabella Hibbard (19) of Oshkosh, WI, and Vincent Hibbard (19) U.S. Navy. Other survivors include parents Lee and Linda Baerwald of Oshkosh, WI, and sisters Sadie (Chad) Jensen of Oshkosh, WI, Natalee (Todd) Mueller of Sheboygan, WI, Jamie (Ryan) Neabling of Winneconne, WI, and six nieces and a nephew.
Katie’s end of life was filled with much love, gratitude, and happiness. It feels fitting to close with her own words from a post that she shared very recently with friends and family on social media:
“Loving Mexico life! But boy do I suck at taking selfies. I added them as to not gain attention but simply to show how happy I am. This amazing man has chosen me to accompany him in these “golden years.” My gratitude is overflowing, Bruce Loken!!! A lot of you out there whether you are friends, family, clients, or all of the above, have been there and seen me through my best times and my worst times. I thank you for your continued support. Your loyalty has no bounds.”
Mom, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. ~ Your Children
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Jude Parish, Sacred Heart site, 519 Knapp St. in Oshkosh on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday starting at 9:00 AM.
Katie will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oshkosh.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sacred Heart Perpetual Adoration Chapel fund, checks payable to St. Jude Parish with memo “Adoration Chapel.”
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