Kathleen M. House, 86, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, September 5, 2010, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. She was born in Staffordshire, England on June 28, 1924, to John and Florence (Birch) Fleming. She grew up there, attended business school and worked as a secretary. During World War II, she met Truman House at a dance while he was stationed in England. They were married on April 2, 1945, in St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Staffordshire, England. After arriving in the U.S., Kathleen enjoyed staying connected with her fellow "war brides". Truman and Kath settled in Eau Claire in 1946 and were blessed with a wonderful marriage, ten children, seventeen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and an abundance of dear, close friends. Kathleen was devoted to her family. Kathleen and Truman greatly enjoyed traveling in the United States and Europe. They particularly enjoyed visiting family. Our mother was a very positive person who had a great love of the arts. Kathleen's paintings created a legacy for her family for generations to come. Walking and gardening with her husband, Truman, were two of Kathleen's favorite pastimes. Truman and Kathleen always looked forward to golfing and fishing with their "Chippewa" friends. Despite her struggle with cancer she continued to be active in her women's golf league, family events, and church activities. Her faith brought her great strength. She was a Eucharistic Minister at St. James the Greater Catholic Church. In the 55 years at St. James, she was an active member in a number of women's groups. Kathleen will be deeply missed by her husband, Truman; five sons, David and Hollace (Sorenson) of Williams, MN, Brad and Holly (Hotchkiss) of Eau Claire, Barry of Sparks, NV, Charles and Marlys (Reuver) of Eagle, AK, Andrew and Judy (Barker) of Eau Claire; five daughters, Rhonda (Carl) Holmquist of Black River Falls, Rita (Howard) Campbell of Eau Claire, Mary Edmonds and Alan Edmonds of Eau Claire, Dorothy House of Eau Claire, Annette (Steve) Gardiner of Sand Point, ID; seventeen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Rita (Wynn) Ollin of Staffordshire, England; two brothers, Peter Fleming of Cornwall, England and Michael (Maralyn) Fleming of Staffordshire, England; four nephews and three nieces in England. She is also survived by Truman's large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; a special sister-in-law, Joan Fleming. A special thank you to sister Mary Edmonds for her tireless devotion to mom and dad.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2010 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Father John A. Shultz officiating. Entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, with a Public Prayer Vigil at 7 p.m., and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Healing Place at Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 or the St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St., Eau Claire, WI 54703. A special thanks to Sacred Heart Hospital, Dr. Tana, the Cancer Center and Amy and the 6th floor staff for the special comfort they provided.

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