Catherine Ann Carlson

The Rev. Catherine Ann Carlson, 74, of Madison, Wisconsin, died on August 8, 2024, in Agrace Hospice after a 6-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born on April 24, 1950, in New Haven, CT, to the Rev. Robert L. Carlson and Mae (Fox) Carlson. She attended school in Boulder, CO, and graduated from Sacramento High School (CA) in 1968. She earned a B.A. degree from the University of California-Davis, where she majored in child development, and then entered Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley in 1972, finishing with a Masters of Divinity. She was ordained as a minister in the United Church of Christ in 1975.

She met her husband, Michael Bausch, at seminary, and they were married on December 14, 1973, in Kensington, CA. They lived in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Wisconsin in 1979.

Cathy was part of an early cohort of women in the 1970’s who finished college and went on to theological seminary to become ordained clergy. She was a third-generation minister following her father and grandfather.

She served as an Associate Conference Minister for the Northern California Conference of the United Church of Christ from 1976-1979. In addition, she served as minister or interim minister at Wisconsin churches in Walworth, Ripon, Oshkosh, Waupun, Kiel, Platteville, Juneau, and Lowell, retiring in 2015.

Cathy was elected to serve on school boards in Williams Bay and Waupun, WI, and participated on several state and national United Church of Christ boards and committees. She led women’s tours to the Middle East, and to Paris and London.

Cathy loved entertaining and feeding people. Her table was always open. She loved fabric arts of quilting, sewing, and knitting. Her “sweet dream” pillow cases and quilts decorate many beds of those she loved. She was a deep listener and an avid reader. She gave life-changing book recommendations.

Cathy fought fiercely for social justice and civil rights. She was an early feminist. She advocated for the empowerment of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. She was a defender of children, and a second mother for many. She freely gave time, energy, and money, both publicly and privately.

California redwoods and the ocean were sources of comfort and inspiration, as was Moon Beach Camp at St. Germain, WI, and she loved sharing these places with her daughters, her grandchildren, and other family members and friends.

She is survived by her spouse of over 50 years, the Rev. Michael Bausch; her daughters, Anica Bausch (Daniel Burns) and Brianna (Aaron) Westhuis; two grandchildren, Livia and Wade; her brother, Dr. Robert W. Carlson (Stacey Starcher); nieces and nephews, close friends, and colleagues.

She was predeceased by her father, Robert L. Carlson; her mother, Mae F. Fox; and a granddaughter, Natalie Ann Westhuis.

Cathy wanted us to know: “I have been totally blessed in this life.”

To honor her memory, please consider a gift to a cause that you feel keeps in the spirit of Cathy. Some of her favorite organizations include: UNICEF, What If Foundation (Haiti), United Church Camps Incorporated (Moon Beach Camp), and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.

The family is thankful for the many kindnesses offered Cathy by staff, residents, and family members at Heritage Memory Care, Monona, and for the compassionate care given by Agrace Hospice staff. Special gratitude is also expressed to Julie, Neil, Rev. Bryan, Gloria, and the Threshold Singers.

Cathy left this statement on her desk: “Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling with us—Oh be swift to love and make haste to be kind.” (Frederic Amiel)

A celebration of the spirit of Cathy’s life and ministry will be held at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, September 15th at the McFarland United Church of Christ, 5710 Anthony Street, McFarland, as part of an outdoor Sunday worship service also featuring the Hoot ‘n Annie String Band of Madison. Lawn chair optional. Refreshments will follow.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at cacmemories@gmail.com.