The Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation adds new scholarships Remembering J. Joseph and Rosemary Cummings The Cummings family has established an endowed scholarship fund to honor their parents. The J. Joseph and Rosemary Cummings Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide tuition assistance for students attending Xavier Catholic Schools and continue the legacy of education and literacy. Rosie met Joe at Marquette and moved to Racine where he started a law practice before moving to Appleton, where they raised eight children. The Cummings were married for 36 years before Joe passed away in 1990. Rosemary was a former teacher at St. Bernadette and St. Mary’s in Kaukauna who loved children and inspired a generation of students to love reading. She passed away on August 2, 2021 at the age of 90. Xavier asks you to remember the Cummings family in your thoughts and prayers and donations to the Fund can be made to the St. Francis Xavier Foundation.
Xavier Honors a Legend with the Kathy Bates Athletics Fund After a lifetime of service to Xavier High School, Kathy Bates ’71 retired this past summer ending a career that started 45 years ago. In 1976, she began a 17-year tenure as an English teacher before becoming the Athletic Director in 1992. A long-time coach, Kathy was the varsity girls’ volleyball coach for 14 years, head girls’ track & field coach for four years and assistant for 29 years. For 25 years she was especially well known to the student body as the Xavier Dean of Students, a position that began in 1993. The Xavier community wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Kathy for her dedication and leadership and the impact she had on countless students and student-athletes. As a tribute to her dedicated service, the Xavier Catholic Schools Foundation has established a spend-down fund in her name. “The Kathy Bates Athletics Fund” will provide support for the Xavier Athletic Department. Best wishes to Kathy and her husband, Mike '71, for a joyous and relaxing retirement.
Mike Pfefferle Memorial Fund
The Xavier community mourns the loss of Mike Pfefferle ’89, a loyal and lifetime friend of Xavier. Surrounded by his loving family, Mike passed away on July 4, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike’s love of life and devotion to his family were evident in all aspects of a life centered on faith, family, and friends. He leaves behind a loving wife, Lydie, sons Charlie '22 and Sam '24, and daughter Chloe '26. The President of Pfefferle Companies, Mike was known for the respect and dignity he gave to employees and all whom he worked with throughout the years. His charitable and volunteer works were many and his generosity was known throughout the Fox Cities Community and especially at Xavier. Sports, fishing, and Marquette basketball were among his many passions and whether it was coaching hoops, fishing with family and friends, or enjoying on evening with his Golden Eagles, his bright smile and love for life made for many special moments. Please join the entire Xavier community in keeping his immediate family, along with his parents John and Lynn, sisters Amy '91 and Anne '87, and all his many relatives, in your thoughts and prayers. We were truly blessed to share so many special moments together. A memorial fund in his name has been established to benefit Xavier and continue his legacy. xaviercatholicschools.org 59
