Obituary
Kay Lou Westlie
Kay Lou Westlie, age 78, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026. Kay was born to Ralph and Maxine Showers on March 8, 1948. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a cherished grandmother and friend—the heart of her family and the light in every room. Her presence had a way of making people feel instantly at ease. No matter who you were or where you came from, she welcomed you with open arms and an open heart. She believed, simply and powerfully, in accepting people exactly as they are, and in doing so, she created a space where everyone felt seen, valued, and loved.
She graduated from Central High School in La Crosse in 1966 and went on to attend Western Wisconsin Technical Institute, where she studied accounting. She began her professional career as a secretary in the credit department at Trane Company in La Crosse, where she worked for seven years. She later worked at the United Credit Union in La Crosse for a year and a half, before finding the job she loved going to at Park Bank in Holmen. There, she built a fulfilling career and remained until her retirement.
She found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. Whether it was sharing a conversation over coffee, laughing with friends and family, or quietly enjoying a peaceful moment, she embraced each day with contentment and gratitude. Social by nature, she thrived on connection—building friendships that lasted a lifetime and strengthening the bonds of family with her steady, loving presence.
Her positivity was not loud or showy, but constant and genuine. She had a gift for lifting others up, for finding the good in every situation, and for reminding those around her that life is meant to be appreciated, not rushed. She didn’t just live her life—she loved it, every single day.
In her later years, she faced the challenges of Lewy Body Dementia with quiet strength and grace. While the disease gradually took its toll, it never diminished the love she gave or the impact she had on those around her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Westlie of Holmen; her daughter, Tami (Lance) Bagstad; her son, Paul (Jennifer) Westlie; and her cherished grandchildren, Tyler (Jennah – Nova) and Jillian Bagstad, and Wynndham and Kaina Westlie. She is also survived by her brother, Daniel (Joan) Showers, and their sons, Zachary (Crystal – Brayden, Ellah) and Jared (Holly – Jalen, Karter, Eligh, & Haleigh); as well as her closest friend, Nola.
Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, in the laughter she inspired, and in the love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a family who will forever carry her spirit forward, guided by her example of kindness, acceptance, and joy.
She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.
A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street Onalaska, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
All memorials will be sent to Lewy Body research.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.
So sorry to read this. I always liked Kay, first met her at Bank of Holmen(Park Bank now). Was a wonderful woman. Prayers and thoughts to all of her family and friends, will be missed.