McConnell– Katherine L. Stees, 88 of Freeport passed away on Sunday, June 19 ^th at Liberty Village, Manor Court with her family by her side.  She was born on January 26, 1934 to the late Harold and Mary (Renfrow) Christin in Pana, Illinois.   She graduated from Pana High School in 1951.  She married Bernard Stees on November 27, 1954 and together they raised a family.  He died June 10, 2016.

She worked at Micro Switch Honeywell for 20+ years in Inspection and Assembly as well as farming alongside her husband for just as many years.  She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening in her younger years.  She was a 4-H leader for a few years and later in life enjoyed crafting in her spare time.

She is survived by her Son, Floyd (Cheryl) Stees of Lena; and her daughters Carol (Stephen) Ruegsegger and Mary (Robbie Peterson) Hagen both of South Wayne, WI.  Her legacy includes 13 Grandchildren and 2 step Grandchildren, 34 great and step great Grandchildren as well as 2 great great Grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one granddaughter, Christina Folgate and 2 Great Grandchildren, Aiden Floyd and Peyton Lee Ils as well as a son-in-law, Richard Hagen.

There will be a visitation on Saturday, June 25 ^th from 9am – 11am at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota, IL.  A memorial service will immediately follow at 11am also at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established in her name. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com