Catherine “Kate” Schwarz, 68, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church in Utica, with Father Michael Driscoll, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Kate was born on September 15, 1956 in Fairbury, IL to Mervyn and Marianna (Vaughn) Kaeding. She married Robert “Bob” Schwarz on August 28, 1976 in Piper City, IL. Kate was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers. She loved family vacations to places like Yellowstone and Gatlinburg. Kate and her husband Bob were also dedicated to attending their grandchildren’s many events, such as baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, and dance recitals. Kate’s greatest accomplishment was her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Bob of 48 years; her mother, Marianna; three daughters, Jackie (Broch) Gerling, Jamie (Victor) Bond, and Jodie (Paul) Goetz; six grandchildren, Kaedin and Braylin Bond, Tessa Gerling, and Addison, Preston, and Aubrey Goetz; and three sisters, Judy (Ron) Schwarz, Lori (Bruce) Kietzman, and Shelly (Tom) Harrell.
She was preceded in death by her father Mervyn; a granddaughter Alayna Goetz; and a sister Deanna Kaeding.
Pallbearers will be Broch Gerling, Victor Bond, Paul Goetz, Kaedin and Braylin Bond, and Tessa Gerling. Honorary Pallbearers will be Addison, Preston, and Aubrey Goetz.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433