Kathleen P. Griebel, of Elkhorn, passed away on Thursday, Aug 13, 2026, at the age of 89.
Kathleen was born on Aug. 26, 1936, in Elkhorn, to John and Alice Rohleder. She grew up in Elkhorn alongside her sister, Jeanne (nee Rohleder) Hoffman, and remained deeply connected to the community throughout her life.
Kathleen shared 38 years of marriage with her husband, John T. Griebel. Together they owned and operated John’s Bootery, a beloved family shoe store that served the Elkhorn community for more than 35 years. Before joining the family business, Kathleen worked for ten years as a secretary in a local real estate office. At John’s Bootery, she wore many hats including bookkeeper, accessory buyer, business partner, and the keeper of countless stories from behind the counter. She knew generations of customers by name and had a remarkable memory for the people, conversations, and characters that walked through the door.
Kathleen was active in her community as a member of the Women’s Club and the Walworth County Legal Secretaries Association. She enjoyed spending time at local pubs, appreciated a well-made Rob Roy, and never shied away from a spirited conversation.
Kathleen was a straight shooter who always let you know where she stood. She was independent, opinionated, and never one to soften her words. At times she could be forthright, but those who knew her best understood that beneath her tough exterior was someone who valued honesty, loyalty, and authenticity above all else. She didn’t pretend to be someone she wasn’t, and that’s exactly how many will remember her.
She is survived by her sister, Jeanne Hoffman; her nephew, Michael Hoffman; her nieces, Carolyn Ness, Joan (Jay) (nee Hoffman) Wittman, and Elizabeth (Kurt) (nee Hoffman) Jansen; along with extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Rohleder, and brother-in-law Gene Hoffman.
Kathleen leaves behind a life of hard work, resilience, and candor. She will be remembered not only for helping build a cherished local business that became part of the fabric of downtown Elkhorn, but also for living life on her own terms, speaking her mind, and leaving an impression that was impossible to ignore.
She will be deeply missed and remembered by those who knew and loved her.
The public is invited to a visitation from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at Haase Lockwood Funeral Home in Elkhorn. . Online guest book is available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Croix Hospice
Deep thanks are extended to the staff at Ridgestone Terrace in Elkhorn for creating a loving and caring environment for Kathleen the past many years.