Kay Lynn Babcock

Kay Lynn Babcock passed away peacefully at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau on the morning of August 7th, 2023 with her loving husband and favorite niece holding her hands.  If you knew Kay, you know it was her way or the highway - and in true Kay fashion, she passed away on her own terms.  

Kay was born September 26th, 1947 in Wausau, WI.  She graduated highschool from Wausau Senior High.  She met her husband, Jim Babcock, at a party when she learned he drove the "cool car" parked outside.  They married August 28th, 1971, and four years later they were blessed with the best gift ever, their daughter, Kimberly Ann Babcock (Devitt).

Kay had many very important roles in her life. First off, she was an amazing wife to Jim Babcock. It took her over 50 years, but Jim finally helps with the dishes! She taught her favorite and only child Kim to be strong, independent and a bit sassy. Kim is forever grateful for this. Kay was a great mother in law to Harry Devitt. She has a special place in her heart for him. Kay was a loving grandmother to Kasey, Kloe, Madux and Kam Devitt. Even when dementia took over, she always asked about them first. She was a great sister to her brother Terry Grabau (June Grabau). She was an involved aunt to her nephew Scott Grabau (Karen Grabau) and niece Brandi Grabau. Kay was a loyal friend to a long list of people that is way too long to write - but the people on the list will know who they are. Kay was a great dog momma to the numerous dogs our family has had over the years, but most recently, Shotze. Above all, Kay was a believer in the God she has now met in person. She is home.

Kay was a very busy lady.  She was involved in a lot of different things throughout her life.  A few highlights are as follows: being involved in PTA at the school where her darling daughter attended; holding various board positions on the water ski teams our family was involved in; holding different positions within her church which she loved very much; taking on many different roles within the Masonic Temple branch of Jobs Daughters; being a board member for the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation for many, many, many, etc years - those many years of service landed her an award of distinction and a spot in the WWSF Hall of Fame; and lastly, working as a secretary and scorer for one million water ski tournaments our family skied in and were a part of.  There are so many more, but this can only be so long.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at Eagles Club #251, in Wausau, Wisconsin.  

Please wear casual clothes and come ready to tell a story about how you will remember Kay. We can't wait to hear them.

In lieu of flowers that "just get thrown away in the end" (her words - not mine), please consider a donation to The A-T Children's Project as they search for a cure for the condition her grandson, Madux Devitt, lives with.  As you likely know, this foundation was very important to Kay and our whole family.  To donate, please visit; Donate - A-T Children's Project (atcp.org)