Katherine M. Simler , age 69 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. She was born on September 8, 1952 in Aurora, IL; the daughter of the late Gerald and Dorothy (Cibulskis) Wermers. She attended Sterling-Newman High School and went on to Loyola University in Chicago for Nursing. Kathy married David Simler on February 2, 1974.

She was a dairy farmer and also worked at Cub Foods and Walmart, both of Freeport. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and canning what she grew. She was very talented at sewing and crafts, she was known for making Christmas and holiday wreaths. She loved Kenny Rogers, Winnie the Pooh, the Green Bay Packers, her dog and kitties. Kathy was the best cook and baker. Her specialties were her spaghetti and Christmas cookies. She was a warm and inviting person who deeply cared for others. She lovingly raised her family and loved her children and grandchildren. She was the glue of the family and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, David Simler of Freeport; children, Steven (Alycia) Simler of Freeport, Dawn (Todd) Krell of Freeport, and Vicki (Corey) Ifert of Shannon, IL; grandchildren, Nicole, Jeremy, Michelle, Caitlyn, Logan, Justin, Matthew, and Ashleigh; brothers, Joe (Mary Ann) Wermers of CO, Gerald (Karen) Wermers of Dixon, IL, Gregory Wermers of Rockford, Thomas Wermers of IN, Robert (Melissa) Wermers of IN, and Carl (Fely) Wermers of PA; Mother-in-law, Betty Simler of Freeport as well as many numerous nieces and nephews; and Charlie the Pup "Farm Dog."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald & Dorothy Wermers; father-in-law, Albert Simler; brother and sister-in-law, Edward & Mary Wermers; and brother-in-law, Duane Simler.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport with a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com . The service is available via Zoom using the information below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81501832991?pwd=WXdFMk05MVpnUjMrOHJSN3c2SmZrZz09

Meeting ID: 815 0183 2991

Passcode: simler