The dairy industry lost one of its most passionate advocates and educators on May 1, 2025, when Kathleen “Katie” M. Coyne passed away at her home in Geneseo, NY. At 64, Katie leaves behind a grieving family and thousands of young people whose lives she shaped through her tireless dedication to dairy cattle education and showmanship.
A Life Devoted to Dairy
Born in Avon, NY, to Thomas and Teresa Kingston Coyne, Katie built her foundation in agriculture early. After graduating from Avon Central School, she pursued her passion at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she developed the expertise defining her career.
Katie’s impact on the dairy industry was both deep and far-reaching. Through her Mill Wheel Show Clinic business, she crisscrossed the United States, teaching youth the fine art of cattle preparation and showmanship. Her eye for detail and commitment to excellence made her an exceptional educator, with thousands benefiting from her knowledge over the decades.
Pioneer and Leader
Katie broke barriers throughout her career, notably as one of the first women elected to the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors and Dairy Cattle Committee. Her three-decade volunteer service at the World Dairy Expo included 20 years as Fitting and Showmanship superintendent, showcasing her unwavering commitment to youth education in the industry.
Her leadership extended beyond WDE to the Wisconsin Holstein Board of Directors and the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board. As a 50-year member of Holstein USA, Katie helped shape the organization’s educational materials and volunteered countless hours for the national Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy contests.
Katie’s expertise in cattle evaluation earned her a place on the National Brown Swiss and Holstein judges lists. She owned and developed numerous All-American nominations with her family, a testament to her skill in cattle breeding and presentation.
Dedicated Mentor and Faith-Filled Servant
Katie’s commitment to youth development extended beyond the show ring. As a longtime 4-H leader, she shaped countless young people’s agricultural experiences. Her dedication earned her four designations as Wisconsin Junior Holstein Outstanding Leader and the prestigious Friend of Wisconsin Junior Holstein award in 2020.
Beyond agriculture, Katie’s faith guided her service as a pastoral associate and youth ministry leader for the Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for many years, demonstrating the breadth of her commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Carrying On Her Legacy
Katie’s greatest joy came from her family. She leaves behind her three children: Maureen Lee and her daughter Adelaide of Sheboygan Falls, WI; Kelly (Tyler) Reynolds and their children Cannyn and Saylor of Corfu, NY; and Wyatt Lee of Sheboygan Falls, WI. She is also survived by her brothers Peter (Lisa) and John (Shannon), sister Joan (Doug) Seidel, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her former husbands, Grant DeBruin and Terry Lee, also survive her.
Katie’s passion for cattle never dimmed – she fed her small herd of registered Herefords, and dairy show heifers right until her final days, embodying the dedication that characterized her entire life.
Remembering Katie
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Thursday, May 8, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Avon, NY, followed by burial at St. Agnes Cemetery and a Celebration of Life Gathering. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the Badger Challenge (111 Highland Ave, WIMR 3157, Madison, WI 53705), where 100% of donations support cancer research.
Katie Coyne’s impact on the dairy industry will be felt for generations. Through her teaching, leadership, and personal example, she shaped not just the technical skills of countless dairy enthusiasts but instilled values of hard work, attention to detail, and passion for excellence. As the dairy community mourns her loss, we celebrate a life fully lived in service to the industry and people she loved.
