Kathryn Schmid

1945 - 2025

Kathryn Schmid
Born: August 25, 1945
Died: August 26, 2025
Kathryn (Kathy) Schmid passed into the arms of our Lord on August 26, 2025, one day after her 80th birthday. She had just celebrated the milestone with her children, their spouses, and all of her grandchildren. While Kathy usually designed a scavenger hunt for the grandkids when they visited, this time the grandkids designed the clues and had fun watching their beloved grandmother find each hidden item.
Kathy was born on August 25, 1945, to Louis and Dorothy Cronk in Rockford, IL. She left behind an older sister, Mary Vincer, of Rockford, IL and was preceded in death by her eldest sister, Betty Lou Bouma, formerly of Rockford, IL.
Kathy was extraordinarily proud of her children and their spouses: Chris (Brian) Terhark of Clive, IA; Joe (Sarah) Schmid of Pittsburgh, PA; and Sue (Charlie) Furst of Elmhurst, IL; along with her grandchildren: Emily and Grace Terhark; Kate and Julia Schmid; and Conrad Furst.
Kathy earned a bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. She remained loyal to her beloved Redbirds and made sure that no one called them Cardinals! Later in life, one of her great joys was getting together with her "PEMs" (Physical Education Majors) in different places throughout the country. This group of women had a profound impact on women in education and sports. She also earned a master's degree from Northern Illinois University. She remained curious throughout her life - listening to the radio and reading newspaper and magazine articles and often bringing up current topics to discuss at family dinners.
She started her career teaching physical education at Marengo Community High School. While working at the school she would meet her future husband Jim, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage until his passing in 2021. Kathy and Jim were very active in their local church, Sacred Heart parish in Marengo, IL and remained devout Catholics. Kathy was a tireless supporter of her husband and family, ever adjusting meal schedules for Jim's many football and baseball practices and games, along with driving the kids to their activities. Kathy was a kind soul, volunteering for many years to teach religious education classes and bring the Eucharist to those who were homebound. After Jim's passing, she settled into life at Independence Village in Waukee, IA where she was a valued community member and participated in numerous activities. She also became an active member of St. Boniface in Waukee, IA.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, October 3rd from 5:00-7:00pm at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Hwy., Marengo, IL. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 4th at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 323 N. Taylor St., Marengo, IL, followed immediately by burial. For those who would like to honor Kathy's memory, in lieu of flowers and gifts please consider a donation to your local public radio station. In addition, we invite you to share a memory of Kathy that will be provided to her family by posting a message to: marengo-unionfuneralhome.com