Catherine Louise "Katy" "Katy" Fleck

Catherine "Katy" Louise Fleck passed away at the age of 74, at her home. Her death was due to cardiac arrest.

Katy was born on August 26, 1950, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to Bill and Marge Harmon. She was their first child and the eldest of six siblings. Katy spent her early years in Stillwater, later moving with her family to Herrin, Illinois, where her father accepted a teaching position at Southern Illinois University.

In her youth, Katy spent time in California during the transformative year of 1968, working at the Santa Monica Pier and immersing herself in the vibrant counterculture of the era. She once saw Led Zeppelin perform on the beach under the pier and she attended a house party where The Grateful Dead played, memories she often spoke of.

Taking on the responsibilities of motherhood at a young age, Katy was boldly optimistic, diving into the possibilities of what the future may hold. She loved adventures, including long road trips, often with her dogs, her children, and a sibling or two in tow.

Katy married first to Pat Stotler, with whom she had her son Simon Stotler of Beaverton, Oregon, and then later to Jerry Fleck, who was the love of her life and father of her daughter, Emily Fleck of Ojai, California. She and Jerry were married for 24 years until his unexpected passing in 2003, a loss that deeply affected Katy until the end of her life. After Jerry's death, she returned to Herrin to be closer to her family.

Katy was a homemaker, a mother, and wife. Her true passion, however, was caring for animals. She had a special love for cats and often took in strays, offering shelter and affection. Her kindness to animals reflected a tenderness that was at the core of Katy's nature.

Katy struggled with inner pain and emotions throughout her life. And yet, despite all she carried, Katy had a beautiful smile, a keen sense of humor and an infectious appetite for life. She was a bright light-complicated, but a profoundly kindhearted and human. Her soul was uniquely beautiful, even in its broken places.

She is survived by her beloved cat Luna; her son, Simon Stotler, his wife Sharon, and their sons Marcus and Jacob; her daughter Emily Fleck, her husband Dave Cipriani, and their son Julian. She is also survived by her five siblings; Mary Lockhart, Matt Harmon, Maggie Petersen, Mindy Harmon, and Ruth Harmon.

In remembering Katy, we hold her truth with grace. She was a beautiful woman of contradictions, of love and struggle, of light and shadow- complex, and brilliant in her own ways. May she rest in peace.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13th, 2025 at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Feline Fixers https://herrinfelinefixers.org/