Patricia Kay (Pulaski) Julian Kautz

On Friday, May 29th, 2026, Forest Park and the world lost a legend — a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Patricia (Pulaski Julian) Kautz died peacefully at home in Forest Park after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, William J. Kautz, and her daughter Paula Julian Peterson.

Born to the late Joseph and Eva (Surges) Pulaski, Patricia grew up in Forest Park, spent her high school years in Melrose Park, and returned to Forest Park upon her first marriage to Ronald Julian (dec’d). Together they had one daughter, Paula, who also attended St. Bernardine School and Trinity High School — just as her mother had. An only child, Paula will forever miss her mother's multiple daily phone calls and the extraordinarily close bond they shared.

Patricia's family was deeply rooted in St. Bernardine Parish life. She graduated from St. Bernardine School and Trinity High School and remained close friends with her classmates from both schools until the very end. Her cherished group of Trinity friends — known simply as "Club" — will dearly miss their best friend, as will the many others whose lives she touched.

Every summer, Patricia and her family and friends vacationed in St. Germain, Wisconsin, and later Richmond, Minnesota, where she waterskied and eagerly taught anyone who wanted to learn.  Those summers brought lifelong memories on the lake.

Beautiful inside and out, Patricia was always impeccably dressed from head to toe and brought light to every room with her lively conversation and effortless ability to make friends. Those who knew her understood that she was someone who got things done. She served as a Room Mother at St. Bernardine, helped organize the annual Forest Park Oktoberfest, assisted in political campaigns, and so much more.

Her professional career was equally remarkable. She managed and helped run Forest Home Cemetery for over 20 years, worked eight years at Zimmerman-Ehringer Funeral Home, and finished her career in the funeral industry at Wilbert Vault Company — all located in Forest Park. Her proudest professional achievement was fighting to secure insurance coverage for women who were heads of household through the Cemetery Workers Union, ensuring that women received the same benefits as men.

In the late 1980s, Patricia met William Kautz on a blind date, and they were married. Bill was a bread man for National Baking who wooed his future bride with his dry sense of humor, his Neil Diamond good looks, and a steady supply of croissants and bakery goods. Bill's two children, Pamela and Bob, helped beautifully blend their families together — building a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly survived by:

Her husband, William J. Kautz; her daughter, Paula Julian Peterson (Michael Peterson); her sister, Joann Heil; her stepchildren, Pamela (Kautz) Nickerson and Robert Kautz (Kathy); her grandchildren, "Nani Pat" to Abigail (Peterson) Brezinski (Matthew), Joseph Peterson, Alex Nickerson, Brandon Nickerson (Alissa), Jackie (Nickerson) Anderson (Michael), Julie Nickerson, Madison Kautz, and Joshua Kautz, Matthew, Kayla and Jonathan Dealy; her great-grandchildren, Jacob and Lee Nickerson; and her nephew, James Heil.

How do you fit the amazing life of the person you love into one obituary?  It is impossible so please join us at her memorial service to share your stories and love for Patricia.

Patricia loved the color purple and because of that we share with you that black is not required at her memorial service.