Kathleen E. (Katie) Walther, age 92, died Sunday June 25, 2023 at Manor Court in Liberty Village in Freeport, IL.  Born August 14, 1930 in Moline, Illinois she was the daughter of Howard D. and Alberta M. (Turner) Barkman.  She spent her formative years growing up on the family farm in Fenton, IL attending a one-room schoolhouse and learning the values of integrity, patience, and hard work.  On July 27, 1957 she married E. Robert Walther in Fenton, Illinois and he preceded her in death on February 7, 2005.  Katie was a dedicated high school Home Economics teacher in Erie, IL, Antioch, IL and in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. After teaching she worked at C.F. Industries Inc. in Long Grove, IL until she retired in 1993. In their retirement Bob and Katie enjoyed spending summers in Winchester, WI and winters in Tucson, AZ.  Katie graduated from Erie High School, received her Bachelor's Degree from Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA and her Masters Degree from the University of Illinois. She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ and former member of the National Education Association and the Illinois Education Association.

She is survived by two sons; Mark (Judy) Walther of Schaumburg, IL and Gregg (Dawn) Walther of Freeport, IL; five grandchildren, Grant (Fiance' Robbie Crowell ) Walther of Golden, CO, Logan ( Fiance' Ally Rajewski ) Walther of Chicago, IL, Collin (Fiance' Mikayla Johnson ) Walther of Lakewood, CO,  Amanda (Nathan) Ryder of Colorado Springs, CO and Austin Walther of Freeport, IL; Three step great grandchildren, Justice, Ariya and Ariel Ryder all of Colorado Springs, CO; one Nephew; Don (Vicki) Walther of Tucson, AZ and one great-nephew Jonathan Walther of Safford, AZ.  Katie was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her 2 sisters, Barbara and Verna.  Taking care of her family, celebrating holidays, cooking, sewing, quilting, teaching, shopping, following University of Arizona basketball and football teams, adhering to the "Golden Rule,"  displaying daily determination, and demonstrating loyalty to her family and friends were qualities that made her special to all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11am in the Chapel at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights, IL There will be a visitation immediately prior in the chapel beginning at 10 am.  Please direct any memorials to the charity of your choice. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.