Katherine Eleanor “Kay” Zuelsdorf passed away at home on Oct. 7, 2023, after becoming ill in early August. She was 86.

Kay was born Nov. 26, 1936, in Madison, Wisconsin. She met Robert “Bob” Zuelsdorf while working at WKOW-TV and radio in Madison, and the two were married in 1957. They moved to Grass Valley, California, in 1987. A wonderful wife and mother, Kay was known for welcoming friends and folks who didn’t have a place to go for the holidays. Family members never knew who might be joining the table at Christmas or Thanksgiving to enjoy Kay’s popular holiday dishes, including Cindy’s favorite green cake and Bob’s favorite gooey potatoes.

She also was well-known for her thoughtful and beautifully handwritten notes and cards. (You may have received one from her!)

Kay served her church family as secretary at Bethany United Methodist Church in Madison, Wisconsin; she then worked as treasurer at the Nevada City Methodist Church until her passing. She was passionate about running the Christmas outreach program benefiting local families. She was a prolific maker of aprons, reindeer necklaces, hats, scarves, and so much more for the church Craft Faire. Chicken lunch at church was another event, open to all in the community, that she loved working on. Kay also was a P.E.O. sister in the local Nevada City chapter. She loved and listened daily to KVMR.

Together, Kay and Bob RV’d through 49 states, enjoying hiking and being outdoors. They have been working on their new book, “RV-ing Alaska.”

Kay is preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Zuelsdorf; sister, Marni Ahlstedt; brother, Bill Derr; as well as her parents, Jane and Ruben Derr.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Zuelsdorf; daughter, Cindy Zuelsdorf Upton; granddaughter, Maya Upton; son-in-law, Gary Upton; son-in-law, Bob Gubber; and sister, Patti Schmaltz.

A service will be held at Nevada City Methodist Church, details to be announced soon.