Kathleen Ann Witt

Kathleen Ann Witt, 82, of Flossmoor, Illinois, passed away on November 12, 2023. Beloved wife of Richard (Dick) Witt and loving mother of Joel (Vicki) Witt of Chandler, Arizona; Jonelle (Steve) Burnham of Shafer, Minnesota; Carrie (Mark) Engstrom of Bellevue, Washington; and Casey Witt of Chicago. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Alex, Abby, Zach, Josie, Will, Gertie, and Nate. Kathy also considered Melissa (Padric) Newport and her three children, Kiersten, Drew, and Henry, an integral part of the Witt family. Kathy is also survived by her brother, Jack (Jan) Wild of Osnabrock, North Dakota, and sister, Pat (Doyle) Schulz of Bismarck, North Dakota, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.

Kathleen Wild was born July 18, 1941, to John C. Wild and Gertrude Wild (Nelson) in Langdon, North Dakota. On July 13, 1968, she and Dick were married in a small, private ceremony in Grand Forks, North Dakota, after which they moved to Chicagoland to have and raise their family.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Kathy excelled as a passionate educator. Her proficiency and love for teaching shone through both her formal positions, as a high school English teacher and journalist, as well as her voluntary educational initiatives. Kathy's commitment to nurturing a love for learning and personal growth in herself and others was a thread throughout her life.

Beyond her educational pursuits, Kathy emerged as a civic champion and skilled advocate in community affairs and local politics. Kathy served as a trustee for over a decade in the Village of Hazel Crest, Illinois, and throughout her life advocated for causes that enhanced the overall well-being of the communities she called home.

An ardent supporter of the arts, Kathy recognized the cultural and emotional significance of creative expression. Beyond enjoying and instilling an appreciation for music and theater in her loved ones, she generously lent her talents to various artistic projects, crafting costumes for numerous school and church theatrical productions. Proficient in piano, sewing, needlework, knitting, crocheting, watercolor painting, and more, Kathy's versatile skills and capable hands transformed ordinary materials into beautiful and often useful art treasured by her loved ones.

Known for her warm personality, Kathy was a cherished friend to many, taking immense joy in bringing people together through both small and large gatherings. A gracious host, she planned and executed wonderful events, finding delight in friendship, food, and festivities. Kathy's compassionate and loving nature endeared her to all who knew her, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever she went.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Michael.

Services will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, November 16 at St. Veronica in Flossmoor, Illinois (formerly Infant Jesus of Prague). A church visitation will commence at 10:15, preceding the commencement of services.

Later, services will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Langdon, North Dakota, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Langdon.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at Make a Memorial Donation - JDRF or the Autism Research Institute at Donate - Autism Research Institute.