Roger Kaat

This Sheboygan native was known as a man who got things done. Roger spent his life as a local entrepreneur, starting at an early age with Kaat’s Toyland, while also working on a career as a dependable contractor with an attention for detail. Roger’s contracting business was best known as Kaat’s Decorating, which eventually evolved into Kaat Restoration. When Roger was not working, he coached his daughter’s sports teams, worked on his house, and volunteered his time and skills to his church. Family, work, and faith were the foundations of his life.

Roger also had other passions. Like any good Wisconsinite, he bled green and gold. As a life-long Packer fan, he cheered them on through the good and Super seasons and grumbled under his breath during the others. Roger also liked to hunt and fish, but more than any other pastime, he loved to golf. A passion from a young age, he enjoyed the beauty and challenge of the game. At the peak of his skills, Roger Kaat captured two club championships at Riverdale Country Club.

However, it was Roger’s family life that truly made him special. His wife, Kelly, remembers him as a hardworking, sensitive, and patient man. Kelly was proud to be her husband’s teammate, working closely with him on the administrative side of Roger’s work. It was this trust and cooperation that brought them together over the years. His son, Nicholas, attributes his success in the film and television industry to his father’s unyielding tenacity. His oldest daughter, Kristina, shares Roger’s kind heart as she pursues a health care career at Concordia University. And his youngest, Lindsey, still has middle school, high school and college ahead of her, but because of her father’s dedication to his children, she will have the opportunity to follow whatever dreams she may choose. Roger was a man guided by faith, and through his battle with cancer, he was able to teach his family what it truly means to be strong, generous, forgiving and courageous. It was his family that held his hands and surrounded him with love when he took his final breath.

Roger is preceded in death by his mother and father, Angeline (VerVelde) Kaat and Gilles L. Kaat, and his brother-in-law Roger Bourret, and sister-in-law Cookie Kaat. Roger’s legacy lives on with his wife Kelly (McClellan) Kaat, son Nicholas R. Kaat, and daughters Kristina A. Kaat and Lindsey K. Kaat. Other family members include his siblings: Beatrice Bourrett, Lloyd (Jean) Kaat, Leroy Kaat, Richard (Nelly) Kaat, Gerald (Kathy) Kaat, Gilbert (Shelley) Kaat, Beverly (Bruce) Teetzen, Kenneth (Colleen) Kaat, and Janice Kaat.

The Kaat family would like to especially thank Pastor Steve Kaehr of Fountain Park United Methodist Church, Dr. Corey J. Shamah, and nurses Sherri, Ann, and M.J. of Aurora Advanced Health Care and VNA Hospice Staff. The Kaats also extend a warm thank you to all relatives and friends who supported Roger and his family over the years.

A time of visitation and support will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Fountain Park United Methodist Church in Sheboygan, starting at 1pm. A memorial service will follow at 4pm, officiated by Rev. Bruce Fish. A memorial fund has been established in Roger’s name with all gifts going to charity. Donations can be sent to Kelly Kaat. Please feel free to come and celebrate the life of Roger Kaat with those who loved him.