MENDOTA - Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Sondgeroth, 68, of Peru, formerly of LaMoille, entered eternal life on July 23, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28 at Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Father Gary Blake officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27 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 married her loving husband Steven “Steve” Sondgeroth in July 1978.

Survivors include her husband; their children, Kyle (Sandra) Sondgeroth of Champaign, Connie (Carl) Gustafson of Huntley and Craig (Kristina) Sondgeroth of Chatham; seven grandchildren, Stryder (9), Everett (7), Grant (4), Bennett (3), Vivian (2), Charlotte (1) and Blayke (9 months); one brother, Timothy (Heather) Herrick of Elgin; and one sister, Vicki Herrick of Vernon Hills.

Kathy graduated from Glenbrook South High School in 1971 and Western Illinois University in 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. During their 43 years of marriage, She and Steve raised three children, built a successful farming enterprise, traveled the world together, and were inseparable best friends. Her 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. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.