Obituary
Beth Kabat
Beth Kabat, 81, passed away peacefully on August 14, with her daughter and grandson at her side.
Beth was born Dec. 13, 1933 in Decorah, Iowa to Chellis and Ruth Evanson. She graduated from Decorah high school. She earned her BA in Physical Education from Luther College in 1956, where her father was a History professor. Beth and her husband Jim enjoyed traveling Europe together.
Beth taught Physical Education at the Campus School/UW La Crosse for 33 years with a philosophy of “everyone wins.” The teacher in her shone brightly her entire life, most recently when she was the first in her neighborhood to paddle board and taught anyone who stopped by her beach.
Beth’s greatest joys were her daughter, Lori, and grandson, Cody. She had a smile as big as her heart, and she shared both endlessly with everyone she met. She led by example, was always open to new ideas, and was one of the first to show up for a friend in need. Beth loved her dogs, and they were her constant companions. She was a true Ambassador of Love with her pet therapy dog, Carver. Forever active, Beth loved to swim, ski, paddleboard, golf and bowl. Her interests were wide and varied, she participated in bible study, garden club, bridge club and was a nature guide at Hixon Forest.
Beth is survived by her daughter, Lori, and grandson Cody Tate, of Edina, MN, sister Marilyn of St. James, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Chellis and Ruth Evanson, husband James Kabat, and brother Chellis Evanson Jr.
Lori and Cody would like to thank all the angels of Hospice for their loving care.
Memorials preferred to Gunderson Lutheran Hospice, Coulee Region Humane Society and English Lutheran Church.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 20, at English Lutheran Church 1509 King Street, La Crosse with visitation one hour prior to the service and on Wednesday, August 19 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm also at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Condolences from my entire family, Lori and Cody. Beth was always so good to us, and we loved the hours we spent swimming at her house. On those hot summer days, we always waited for her phone call with “the beach is open!”