Kay Ellen Hurlbutt, age 47, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, passed away at Appleton Medical Center on Saturday, February 28, 2004 following a dignified battle with cancer.

Kay was born in Oshkosh on July 7, 1956 and attended Oshkosh North High School as a member of the Class of 1974. In 1978 Kay earned a Bachelor's Degree in nursing from Marion College and later a Master's Degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 1985. Kay had held numerous positions from staff nurse to nursing management during her quarter century of caring for others. Her vocation ended while doing what she enjoyed most, working as a Nurse Practitioner for ThedaCare at Work. Her loving care and healing touch will be missed by her many patients. Kay was a skilled practitioner and her accomplishments were recently recognized by the Fox Valley Health Professionals organization.

Kay is survived by her mother, Sallyjoe Hurlbutt (nee Otto), of Oshkosh; a sister, Cheryl (Bernard) Minerath of Oshkosh; nieces, Melissa and Rachel Minerath; nephew, Aaron Minerath. She is also survived by many dear friends and colleagues. Kay was preceded in death by her father, Dale Hurlbutt in 1996; a nephew, Bernard Minerath and her grandparents.

Funeral services for Kay will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2004 at 12noon at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1206 Ontario Street, Oshkosh with the Reverend Walter H. Moll officiating. Friends may call at the Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 300 N. Eagle Street on Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again at the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for the Appleton Medical Center's Cancer Center and Oncology Departments.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Kathy Campbell who has been a trusting friend since Kay graduated from Marion College. Additionally, it is with great gratitude that we recognize and thank Dr. Brian Harrison for the mentoring and friendship he has extended to Kay over the years. We further extend our deepest appreciation to the support provided by Kay's family of friends at ThedaCare at Work and the Appleton Medical Center. Finally we thank Dr. William Guenther, his team of health care professionals, the nursing staff at AMC's oncology unit, and all others who contributed to Kay's care in such a professional, kind and compassionate manner. Each of you knows who you are, and you have our thanks.

Don't Quit: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will; when the road you're trudging seems all uphill; when the funds are low and the debts are high; and you want to smile, but you have to sigh; when care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
www.seefeldfuneral.com
236-7750