Kathleen Elizabeth Dyer

Kathleen (Kathy) Elizabeth Dyer, nee Gehring, age 65, passed away unexpectedly, February 18, 2025 due to complications related to her life-long challenges with Type 1 Diabetes. Previously of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, Kathleen had recently moved to a residence in Janesville, Wisconsin. Kathy is the daughter of Carol and Walter Gehring; sister to Suzanne Kalweit and Leslie Raich; aunt to Scott, Tom and Greg Culbertson, Jodi Felt, and Jennifer and C. J. Raich; Great Aunt to Bryan, Emily, Christian and Oliver Culbertson.

Kathy graduated from John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, Illinois 1973. Following graduation she worked for Kemper Insurance Co. and later took classes toward Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training at Harper Junior College.

Complications from childhood diabetes drastically changed her life course through visual impairment and complete blindness at age 27. She soon attended Lighthouse for the Blind to obtain resources and develop essential skills to navigate and survive in a darkened world. Kathy married John Dyer in 1992 and after relocation to St. Petersburg, Florida, worked for Moore Business Products. A divorce followed in 1997 and finally relocation back to Illinois. Back home in Illinois she was supported and encouraged through many special friendships. Kathy’s strong motivation was to advocate for other blind and disabled individuals in attempts to assist with their own life challenges.

Kathy has been a life-long member of the New Apostolic Church, a place where she was able to share her faith and passion for music. Kathy played both piano and organ in church as a youth and adult; she further continued playing in the congregation even when non-sighted.

Kathy is preceded in death by her father, Walter Gehring, husband John (Kevin) Dyer and most recently dear friend and pet, “Abbey”.

A funeral service and life celebration will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 1pm at the New Apostolic Church, 430 N. Addison Road, Addison, Illinois 60101. A visitation will precede the service at 11:45a.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.

On behalf of Kathy, thank you.