Kathryn “Cassy” Cantwell died peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 81. Kathryn “Cassy” Schauder Cantwell was born September 7, 1944, in Shawano Wisconsin. She was the daughter of the late LeRoy and Betty (Wogsland) Schauder. Cassy attended schools in Shawano and graduated from Shawano High School in 1962. She then attended UW Madison and worked towards a degree in medical technology.
On June 27, 1964, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Cantwell at the First Presbyterian Church in Shawano. Cassy was a medical technologist working part-time at the Cantwell- Peterson Clinic, Shawano Hospital, Clintonville Hospital, and ThedaCare in Clintonville before retiring in 2010.
She served on the Shawano-Gresham School Board for fifteen years and was President of the Board for ten of those years. She also served on the Shawano Public Library Board for several years. When Lee Dreyfus was running for Governor of Wisconsin, Cassy served as his campaign director for Shawano County. Cassy was active in the Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served on the Board of Session. She enjoyed gardening, reading, attending concerts, spending time in Door County, and loved time with her family. She also enjoyed playing mahjong with her dear friends.
Cassy is survived by her children: Jane (David) Schmidt of Burlington, WI, William Cantwell of Minnetonka, MN and Curtis (Colleen) Cantwell of Brainerd MN. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Daniel (Delaney) Schmidt, Ally (Jared) Perry, John Schmidt, Elena and Lily Cantwell, Gus, Charlie and Leo Cantwell and her sister Deb (Chuck) Lidbury as well as several nieces and nephews.
Cassy was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents and her brother, Dr. Jeff Schauder.
Remember Cassy with acts of kindness – a smile, an encouraging word, and a compassionate touch. May her kindness and gentleness live on in the lives of those who loved her.
A memorial service for Cassy will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday November 8, 2025, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Pastor Paul Muther officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of service. Inurnment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano following the service. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, Friends of the Shawano County Libraries or Wisconsin Public Radio.
The family would like to thank Theda Care of Shawano, The Cottages of Shawano, Heartland Hospice, Elder Care Cottages of Waterford, Caring Alternatives of Muskego, Badger Hospice, Jeralyn of Amada Senior Care and Pastor Paul Muther for their love and care of our Mom.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting family with arrangements.
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