Katherine KRATZ

5 SEP 1931 - 22 JAN 2017

• BIRTH: 5 SEP 1931, New Carlisle, IN
• DEATH: 22 JAN 2017, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 24 JUL 1971, St Adabert, South Bend, IN

1.  Gary BLASKO

INDEX

[N13784] Katherine L. Blasko
Sept. 05, 1931 - Jan. 22, 2017
SOUTH BEND - Katherine L. Blasko, 85, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 in Elkhart General Hospital. Katherine was born September 5, 1931 in New Carlisle to the late Fred and Marie (Zugel) Kratz. On July 24, 1971 in St. Adalbert Catholic Church Katherine married her loving husband Michael Blasko, Jr., he preceded her in death on December 29, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her 1st husband, Lawrence Van Lake; a grandson, Brent Bazyk; daughter-in-law, Virginia Van Lake; son-in-law, Randy Shidaker; and several siblings. Survivors of Katherine include her children, Gary Van Lake, Ray (Deborah) Van Lake and Sue Shidaker; brother, Kenny Kratz; granddaughters, Koren Knapp and Angie (Ron) Buck. Katherine worked for the Uniroyal Corporation and the University of Notre Dame. She was a member of the PNA #83, and the American Legion Post 284. In the 1970's she was part of the lawsuit group who fought for equal rights for women at the Uniroyal Corp. Katherine was a very avid bowler and euchre player. She loved going to casinos and Las Vegas with friends, but most of all, Katherine enjoyed traveling with her husband and trips to the lake & cottage with her family. She will be greatly missed but it brings her family peace knowing she has been reunited with her husband Michael, her true love. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her home nurse & friend, Susie Ryan and her daughter-in-law, Terri Van Lake for the love and care they gave to Katherine. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. is assisting the family. Per Katherine's wishes, no services will be held. She asks for everyone to remember her as she was, a fun-loving, friendly person who is now watching over all who knew her. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 29, 2017