In Loving Memory: Kathleen Ann Oestreich

Kathleen Ann Oestreich, of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on December 19th, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by her loving family.

Early Life and Family

Kathy was born on September 4th, 1955, in Rhinelander, WI, to Robert and Levaine Schmitt. She grew up in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Whitnall High School in 1973.

 

She married her beloved husband, Thomas Oestreich I, on July 22nd, 1983. Together, they built a loving home in Greenfield, WI, before moving to Tucson, AZ, in 1996. Kathy dedicated her life to her family and found immense joy in raising her children: Dr. Thomas (Allison) Oestreich II, Timothy (Molly) Oestreich, and Katie (Matthew) Bernstein.

 

She cherished her six beautiful grandchildren: Logan Oestreich, Blake Oestreich, Collin Oestreich, Addison Bernstein, Aaron Bernstein, and Eli Bernstein.

A Legacy of Leadership in Healthcare

Kathy began her distinguished career in healthcare administration in Milwaukee, WI. Upon arriving in Tucson, AZ, in 1996, she was driven by a vision to create positive change in the local healthcare landscape.

 

She joined University Physicians Health (UPH) as the Chief Administrator for the Department of Ophthalmology and later became the CEO of the University Physicians Health Plan. Under her steadfast leadership, she created a health plan that became a crucial community asset, focused on serving thousands in need.

 

After achieving her goals at UPH, she co-led the Eastwick Strategy Group, a consulting firm built on shared values (known for its "no a****** rule"), assisting clients across the US. Before retiring in 2020, Kathy served as the CEO of Banner Health Plans.

 

While her career was characterized by diligence and hard work, Kathy’s caring heart was a true inspiration. She lifted those who surrounded her, serving as both a leader and a friend. Her compassion and genius left an indelible mark on the community she loved and the many careers she helped develop.

Passion for Life and Family

Kathy lived an amazing life, anchored by her profound love for her family. She always made time to celebrate milestones and holidays, ensuring every moment was personal and special. She loved to cook and bake, entertain, and travel the world with Tom, notably spending over a month in Italy for their 40th anniversary.

 

A shared love for Disney quickly spread throughout the family. Kathy and Tom established a wonderful tradition of taking each grandchild to Disney for their fifth birthday, creating beautiful memories for the whole family.

 

She was a very involved mother, making time for her children even amid a hectic work life. She was a constant source of encouragement, inspiring them to strive for excellence in everything they pursued—from school and music to sports and, most importantly, being a good person.

 

She also had a lifelong love for the outdoors, stemming from childhood camping trips in Wisconsin. Most recently, she and Tom built a beautiful mountain cabin in Pinetop, Arizona, where many precious family memories were made around birthdays and holidays.

Surviving Family

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Oestreich I; her children and their spouses; her six grandchildren; her brother, Chris (Mary) Schmitt; her sister-in-law Linda Nimela and her nieces and nephew, Tyler Schmitt, Meaghan Schmitt and Ashley Davis.

Preceded in Death

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Levaine Schmitt, and her brother, Thomas Schmitt.

Funeral Services

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at St. Pius X Church 1800 N Camino Pío Décimo, Tucson, AZ 85715, on January 5th at 10:00 AM. Refreshments will follow for those who can attend.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor at Casa De Los Ninos https://casadelosninos.org/?campaign=500977