Kathleen Grace (Overfield) Holtschlag was born August 2nd, 1948, in Kirksville, Missouri. She died May 25th, 2019, at the family home in Quincy, surrounded by her family, following a long and valiant battle with cancer.

In addition to her husband, Kathy is survived by three children, Tony (Jennifer) Holtschlag, Olney, Il.; Joe (Lindsay) Holtschlag, Quincy, Il; and Katie Holtschlag, St. Louis, Mo; three grandchildren, Bryer Holtschlag, Olney, Il, and Caleb & Catelyn Holtschlag, Quincy, Il. One sister, Peggy (Ronnie) Brown, Memphis, Mo.; several nephews, nieces and great-nephews and –nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wally and Willa Mae Overfield of Memphis, Mo.

Kathy was a graduate of Scotland County High School in Memphis, Mo, Class of 1966. She graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital’s Medical Assistant Program and worked for Dr. Gunther Gherich for more than 20 years and also worked in the ENT department of a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, for several years.

Kathy was a stalwart supporter of the military and was very proud of the service of her father, who served in the U.S. Navy; other relatives who were in the military; and her two sons, who served in the Illinois National Guard 1844th Transportation Company. She said the most memorable point in her life, other than her family, was serving as her son’s FRG (Family Readiness Group) Leader when Joe was deployed to Iraq in 2008-2009. She held monthly meetings for the families of those who were deployed, after receiving e-mails from the captain. This FRG was recognized as #1 in the State for being the most organized and efficient. Also noted for having the most members of all FRGs. It became a model for all other FRGs in Illinois. As part of Quincy’s Veterans’ Day Parade events in November 2009, she had a tree planted at the Veterans Home in honor of the 1844th. As you drive into the Veterans Home and turn left, it was planted there with a plaque. She checked on it every year to make sure it was growing; it was replaced once after a severe thunderstorm. The return of the soldiers in February 2009 with no casualties was bittersweet.

She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing bingo, playing cards, and spending time with friends. But the most important thing to Kathy was her family.

The love of her life was her best friend and beloved husband, Pete. Next were her three children and most of all, her three grandchildren, and lastly, her dog Smokey and several “Grand-dogs”.

At the age of three, Kathy was very ill with tetanus. She was in a coma, with a very high fever. At that time, one out of three tetanus patients did not survive. Her parents asked the doctors why Kathy was one of the lucky ones. Their answer was, “God has something better in life in store for her.” She believed she found it with her loving family.

Kathy’s family would like to thank all the family and friends for their help and support during her illness.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 30th, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Duker and Haugh.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Monsignor Michael Kuse officiating. Interment at Calvary Cemetery following services. Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Quincy, Il, St. Joseph’s School in Olney, Il, or St. Peter School in Quincy, Il.