Catherine (Bultman) Antonissen, 84, of Maplewood, passed away on December 3rd, 2023, at the Pete and Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing Center in Sturgeon Bay following a month-long illness.
Cathy was born on December 10, 1938, in Algoma to Anthony Sr and Vera (Haack) Bultman. Her greatest joys and blessings were always found in the arms of family. She found great delight running through the family's orchard with her siblings on her way to Bruemmerville or time on the family farm. She graduated from Algoma in 1956, where we often heard the mantra, "hard as nails, tough as bricks, were the class of 56". Following graduation, she entered into Holy Family Nursing School in Manitowoc graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1959. There she met her longlasting friends Betty and Barb.
She married the love of her life Joseph E. Antonissen on May 28, 1960, and fully supported him in what became a lifelong military career. While her nursing career ceased in 1963 as they began their family, nursing was at the forefront of everything she did as they went on to raise six children. She became a pillar of strength and was the foundation of all military moves as their family continued to grow. Together their military travels took them to Mt. Clemens, Michigan, Omaha, Nebraska, Grand Forks, North Dakota, Presque Isle, Maine and Okinawa. Their final move took them home to Maplewood in 1976. Along the way they met many friends who also became extended members of our family throughout the years.
Cathy shared her love of snail mail with all of her niece's and nephews throughout the years, never missing the chance to send birthday cards. Her weekly pen pal letters to her sister Jeanne were kept on the cupboard for all to read and we were continually updated with the changes happening within our family. She loved the art of a penned letter to family and to her the handwritten notes received were worth more than gold. She shared daily phone calls with her sister Margie. Her children’s birthdays were celebrated with her famous chocolate cake, voicemails with a "Happy Birthday" sung and reciting the times of our births to us along with our individual stories of what occurred on our special day. Her love of nursing even though she wasn't practicing in the field continued to be a passion of hers and her love of healthcare was passed on to her kids where 5 out of 6 children entered into the path of serving others in health care, a well-known trait learned from one of the best.
Cathy is survived by her children, Tim (Sue) Antonissen, Jeff (Mandi) Antonissen, Tree (Steve) Delarwelle, Paul (Shari) Antonissen, Ann (Steve) Bretl, Jennifer (Travis) Olson. Catherine is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew, Eric, Jordan, Derek, Greg, Gabe, Emma, Cory (Abby), Casey, Bryant, Austin, Mason, Alexandra, Emily, Elizabeth, Paige, Maiya Jo, Joseph and her four great grandchildren, Bennett, Jonathan, Julia and Oliver. Her siblings, Margie Naze, Jeanne DeDecker, David Bultman and Tony (Theresa) Bultman. Her in-laws, Mary and Fred TePaske and Jim and Gail Antonissen.
She was reunited in heaven with her loving husband Joe, her parents and her special sister Rosie and her husband John Meyer. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws Lucille and Joe Antonissen, and many other family members.
Our mother was special, as all mothers are. She took delight in all things that are simple, a family gathering, attending numerous school events, taking a ride to the Algoma beach or visiting with Barb at the library, she could be found walking in her yard or amongst her flowers. As we entered into her illness she reminded our family that to love and be loved is our greatest gift in life and that her love for us would go on forever.
"Remember me when lilies bloom, when daisies show their pretty smile along the roadside-for in the springtime or forever, I enjoy them so.
Remember me when you see children for they are God's creation and know that I have tried my best.
Remember me in the winter when the snow falls gently and makes a winter wonderland of beauty amongst the evergreen.
Remember me with a quiet touch, a happy smile and a whisper of love"
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Holy Name of Mary Church in Maplewood with Rev. Anthony Birdsall officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Saturday. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com
A special Thank You to all the staff who assisted in caring for our mother at the Skilled Nursing Facility, to our friends and family who showered us with love, prayer, words of kindness and support. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of you.
