Obituary of Catherine Ann Billman

Catherine Ann Billman, age 81, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at her residence. Cathy was born on March 31, 1933 to Ben Abler and Ethel (Van Asten) Abler in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. She was baptized at Saint Mary Church, Sheboygan Falls on April 23, 1933. She attended Saint Phillilomena Grade School in Rudolph, and graduated from Saints Peter and Paul Grade School and Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. Cathy's faith in Christ was the most important part of her life, and she expressed this faith in many ways. Cathy loved to sing and was in the church choir and occasionally sang solos for church services or programs. She wrote several songs that the children's choir sang. She cared about children and showed this by teaching Sunday school and helping to lead a weekly after-school Good News Club at Mead School.Cathy was active in the church's ladies group and helped with their mission projects, including volunteering at the local food pantry. Cathy was also on the deacon board and attended weekly Bible studies. She was a very caring and giving person. Cathy was loved by friends and neighbors. She opened her heart and home to them and shared God's love with everyone she met. Catherine married Gerald Zimmerman on June 18, 1954, their union ended in divorce. She later married Floyd Billman on October 27, 1984. Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Billman, her Father Ben Abler, her Mother Ethel (Van Asten) Abler and one brother LeRoy Abler. She is survived by four children: April (Mike Delaney) Zimmerman, Scott Zimmerman, Terri Kaye and Sherri (Ian) Barry; three grandchildren: Katie, Andrew and Kristin. She is also survived by two sisters: Cyrilla Back, Vesper, WI and Joyce Hanson, Wisconsin Rapids, WI; as well as by five brothers: Merlin (Patricia) Abler, Burlington, WI, Norman (Dorothy) Abler, Nekoosa, WI, Lawrence (Lorraine) Abler, Appleton, WI, Louis Abler, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Ronald (Marian Allen) Abler, Santa Rosa, CA. A celebration of Cathy's life visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church, 910 McKinley St. Wisconsin Rapids, WI, on Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 A.M. Services will follow at the church beginning at 12:00 P.M. with Reverend Charles Bradbury officiating.