Photo courtesy of Merritt Funeral Home
Mendota, Illinois
Mar 18, 1953 – Jul 23, 2021 (Age 68)
Kathleen (Kathy) Ann Sondgeroth, 68, of Peru, and formerly of LaMoille, entered eternal life on Friday, July 23, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Holy Cross Church at 10:30 a.m. with Father Gary Blake officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.
Kathy graced the world on March 18, 1953, in Chicago to her adoring father Jack and beloved mother Beverly. She was later joined by her brother Timothy (Heather) Herrick of Elgin and sister Vicki Herrick of Vernon Hills both of whom survive. She graduated from Glenbrook South High School in 1971 and Western Illinois University in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
In July 1978, Kathy married her loving husband Steven (Steve). Over the next 43 years of marriage, they raised three children, built a successful farming enterprise, traveled the world together, and were inseparable best friends. She is survived by Steve and their children: Kyle (Sandra) Sondgeroth of Champaign, Connie (Carl) Gustafson of Huntley and Craig (Kristina) Sondgeroth of Chatham. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Stryder (9), Everett (7), Grant (4), Bennett (3), Vivian (2), Charlotte (1), and Blayke (9 mos). Kathy’s most important role in life was that of loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She took deep pride in her family and was a constant source of love and support in all of their lives. The magnificent relationships that she cultivated with her husband, children, and grandchildren were as vibrant and beautiful as Kathy herself.
As with her family, Kathy extended her warm, giving spirit to others. Her teaching career spanned from educating her own children in Sunday School to teaching in multiple public schools, retiring from the Ohio School District in 2013. Kathy served as a board member for
Gateway Services, Inc, Princeton, volunteered for LaMoille athletics, and was an officer and member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood, Chapter BV, Mendota. She also enjoyed daily walks, exploring new places and cultures, reading, and spending time with her dear, lifelong friends. The bright light of her life touched many and will continue to radiate in all those that knew her love.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the American Lung Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Steve .. so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing .. just heard today as we’ve been out of town and going thru newspapers.. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .. so very sad .. jim and Gemma lehn
Gemma Lehn
July 31, 2021 | Princeton, IL | Friend
May God Bless the Sondgeroth Family during this time of sadness and hopefully your mourning will end soon and you can celebrate your wife and mother’s life. My prayers are for you, Steve, especially as nothing prepares you for the silence of any empty home and the the loss of your best friend. May God comfort you.
Brian Joehl
July 30, 2021 | Princeton, IL
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
DENISE BURNETTE
July 28, 2021 | Mendota, IL
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Kathy’s smile and laugh lit up a room. I have the fondest college memories of her spreading happiness to those around her. Hold her close in your hearts and treasure your memories of a beautiful soul and a life well lived. Prayers for comfort and peace to Steve and their children.
Judy George
July 27, 2021 | CA | Friend
My thoughts and prayers are with my niece and nephew and the entire Sondgeroth family during this most difficult time. I will continue to pray you find strength in each other.
Love, Aunt Sandy
Sandy Conklin
July 27, 2021 | Greenville, NC | Family
Steve, Craig, Kristina and family, We want to express our deepest sympathy to all of you. May God be with you and give you strength at this difficult time. Cherish your memories of the wonderful person she was. Prayers for comfort.
Dan and Sharon Ohlau
July 27, 2021 | Other
May she rest in peace. My sympathy to the entire family.
Carol Vandre
July 26, 2021 | MENDOTA, IL | Acquaintance
We and many others have been life-long friends with Vicki since our college days. Whenever we would have a get-together with Vicki she would talk endlessly about her lovely sister and brother and the rest of their families and her love for them all. To all the families we offer our deepest sympathies and prayers.
Terry and Marie Morrison
July 26, 2021
I have fond memories of Kathy in LaMoille Book Club. She always had interesting comments& questions that furthered our book discussions. Kathy was just an enthusiastic person to be around.
Anne Norris
July 26, 2021 | La Moille, IL | Friend
