Kathryn “Katie/Kate” nee Goddard Fritz, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home during the early morning hours of November 15, 2019. Katie was a 47 year resident of Naperville. She is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy and Sue, both of Naperville. Kathryn was born on December 4, 1928 in Monmouth, IL and enjoyed a very happy childhood on her family farm homestead with her parents, Harriet and Harold Goddard, and her three older sisters, Evelyn, Helen and Dorothy. She proudly attended a one-room schoolhouse and was the valedictorian of her class at Monmouth High School. Katie majored in English at Monmouth College where she met her future husband, Roger, their freshman year. After graduation, they wed at her family’s rural home and were married for 59 years until his passing in 2011. Kate was a 47 year member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Kathryn enjoyed cooking and baking, decorating her home for each holiday/season, being a gracious hostess, especially at the 4th of July reunions on the farm playing bridge, reading, knitting, playing the piano, arranging flowers and “antiquing”/ shopping. She loved traveling with Roger and spending time with her family at their Michigan summer home and family homestead in Monmouth. Katie cherished cats and often reminisced about her childhood kitten, Sara and her last beloved cat, Lily. Until the day before her passing, she enjoyed a good cup of coffee and a chilled glass of Chardonnay. Katie read several daily newspapers and was an astute follower of politics. Her quick wit was enhanced by the twinkle in her crystal blue eyes. Her passing leaves a sad void on earth, but a celebration in Heaven with her husband, parents and sisters. She is survived by her daughters, beloved family members and dear friends. The family appreciated the compassionate assistance of many nurses/caregivers this year.
Kathryn will be buried later this month at the Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery in Monmouth with graveside prayers. To help honor Katie’s generous spirit, donations may be made to the charity of the giver’s choice. Arrangements by the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes and Crematory, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL. Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth is assisting the family with local arrangements.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kathryn Fritz, please visit our floral store.