Lori A. Cathman

LANCASTER – Lori A. Cathman, age 60, of Lancaster, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 1, 1964, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Paula (Gawronski) Brei. Lori moved to Plain, Wisconsin as a young child where she began building a life centered around family, hard work, and caring for others. She graduated from River Valley High School in 1983 and went on to earn her cosmetology degree from Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, Wisconsin — a craft she enjoyed and used to care for her family for many years as their trusted hairdresser. After marrying her loving husband, Ken, Lori moved to Lancaster, Wisconsin, where they built their home and their life together for the past 38 years. Together, they raised their children, Greg, Dustin, and Nichole, who were the pride and joy of her life. A devoted farmer’s wife, Lori embraced life in the country with Ken by her side. She loved camping, traveling on vacations, and hosting countless family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Lori was the glue that held her family together — organizing, cooking, and making sure everyone felt welcomed and loved. She recently retired from the Lancaster School District after 18 years and was a dedicated mentor, a listening ear, and a steady presence for many students and coworkers alike. Lori was a shoulder to lean on and a friend to many, always ready to lend a hand or stand up for what was right. Her warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lori is survived by her beloved husband, Ken Cathman; son Dustin Cathman and grandson Carson Cathman and bonus grandson Cooper Clauer; daughter Nichole (Jordan) Duve and grandson Quinton Duve; mother Paula Brei; siblings John Brei (Elena Greisen), Cindy (Mike) Nelson, Vicki (Brian) Berning, and Jolynn (Steve) Zimmerman; sister-in-law Karen Cathman Lamb; brother-in-law Duane Cathman; many nieces and nephews, and cherished family friends Brenda and Dan Cummins.

She was preceded in death by her son Greg Cathman (2006); father, John Brei (1989); brother, Kevin Brei (2002); mother-in-law Violet Cathman (1997); father-in-law Herbert Cathman (2013); and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster, with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be held at the Bethel Cemetery, Hickory Grove Township. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 2, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., and on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a Lori A. Cathman Memorial fund has been established.

Lori’s family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this time. She will forever be remembered for her love of family and her gift for bringing people together.