Across Kenosha, our community is grieving the loss of an inspiring community leader. It is with a heavy heart that we write this update surrounding the passing of Katherine Marks. At United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC), we remember Katherine as a true trailblazer, advocate, and mentor.
Our Community Remembers Katherine Marks
Together, with the help of current and former United Way of Kenosha County staff, board members, and volunteers, we honor Katherine’s legacy.
“Katherine was passionate about the Kenosha community,” says Sherry Westhoff, former director of finance at UWKC. “She spent her life helping those who live here.”
Katherine Marks was the Chief Professional Officer at United Way of Kenosha County from 2005-2012. During this time, she led our organization through the establishment of several visionary programs and events, many of which are implemented as core initiatives to this day, leaving behind a legacy throughout Kenosha remembered prominently by positively impacting the lives of others.
“Katherine had a great laugh that made serving others contagious,” says Bill Roberts, long-time UWKC volunteer. “She was always one of the first ones to step-up and get involved, especially with initiatives meant to better the lives of others. During Day of Caring, I remember Katherine going door-to-door with smoke detectors for families as well as finding wood chips to make a playground we were working on safer. Her knowledge and expertise of our community helped shape our efforts in unimaginable ways.”
While Katherine’s service to others was centered around our local community, her impact is much more widespread.
“Katherine’s dedication and commitment to improving opportunities for women, children and families is evident in her lasting work with the United Way of Kenosha County, Mahone Fund and the City of Kenosha,” says Dr. Bryan Albrecht, President Emeritus, Gateway Technical College, Past President, United Way of Kenosha County. “Through her life’s-work others will continue to grow, learn and strengthen the communities they serve.”
From living a life dedicated to serving others and bettering our community to modeling exemplary leadership and citizenship, Katherine embodied what it means to be a servant leader.
“Katherine brought so much energy and passion to our work at United Way,” says Crista Kruse, former director of community impact at UWKC. “She gave us the flexibility to share ideas and make recommendations to improve our support of community initiatives. She was a true believer in the value of teamwork, making our community a better place to live for everyone. She will truly be missed.”
The impact of Katherine’s legacy spans widely across Kenosha through her leadership and involvement in multiple facets of community life, including nonprofits, government, and helping her neighbors. Len Iaquinta remembers Katherine Marks in this way and more:
While she was the United Way executive in charge, I was on the board and on the campaign, including being the campaign chair and president of the board. I’ve been back in my native Kenosha for 24 years, so I’ve observed a lot of her career.
I admire Katherine as a sincere leader who relentlessly advocated for human development services and quality of life of all kinds in our community. She understood the importance of connecting agencies, the political governing structures, and volunteers to move all the County’s communities and neighborhoods forward.
Because she cultivated strong relationships with the neighborhoods and had political savvy, Katherine was focused and effective.
Her legacy includes a better Kenosha and Kenosha County and the thousands of lives benefitted by her work. Katherine’s passion for Kenosha lives on through the hundreds of volunteers and donors she motivated and inspired.
I’m a better person for having known her.
Her enduring legacy has touched thousands of lives and will continue to pave the way for many years to come.
“I am grateful to walk in the footsteps of Katherine’s incredible shadow,” says Carolynn Friesch, current UWKC CEO. “We will miss you, Katherine, and we will continue to do everything we can to live out your legacy every day.”
While Katherine will be remembered throughout Kenosha in many ways, UWKC takes an extra moment to recognize the direct impact she had on our organization and its everyday operations.
Katherine Marks’ Lasting United Way Legacy
Katherine Marks, a remarkable individual whose dedication and passion left an indelible mark on the United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC), is fondly remembered for her profound impact on various initiatives and programs.
Before her tenure with UWKC, Katherine twice served as a loaned employee from Snap-on, where she played a pivotal role in orchestrating the organization's annual fundraising campaign. Her commitment and expertise significantly contributed to the success of these campaigns, setting a strong foundation for her future endeavors with UWKC.
Among her many accomplishments, Katherine expanded the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program by securing a grant and appointing a UWKC staff member to oversee its coordination, thereby enhancing the program's reach and effectiveness within the community.
Katherine's vision and initiative also gave rise to UWKC's flagship event, Read Across Kenosha, formerly known as Readers Are Leaders Day, emphasizing the importance of literacy and education in fostering community development.
Recognizing the need to engage and empower young adults, Katherine spearheaded the creation of YLINK (Young Leaders in Kenosha), a platform designed to introduce individuals aged 21 to 40 to the values of community service and philanthropy. Her efforts not only inspired a new generation of leaders but also fostered a culture of giving back.
Additionally, Katherine played a pivotal role in establishing the Youth As Resources program, forging a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Extension and UWKC to empower youth and cultivate their potential as agents of positive change within the community.
In 2012, Katherine's leadership led UWKC back to the heart of downtown Kenosha, relocating to the KABA building—a strategic move that facilitated greater accessibility and outreach to those in need.
Furthermore, Katherine's commitment to addressing pressing community issues was evident in UWKC's prioritization of infant mortality as a key initiative. Partnering with Rotary West, Katherine initiated efforts to combat infant mortality, particularly among African American communities, by facilitating the distribution of cribs—a testament to her unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of all members of the community.
Katherine Marks's legacy continues to resonate within the halls of UWKC and throughout the Kenosha community, serving as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come. Her tireless advocacy, visionary leadership, and compassionate spirit exemplify the very essence of service and leave an enduring imprint on those she touched.
Thank you to Katherine Marks' family for your support in publishing this memorial.