Thursday, January 5th, 2017
Kathryn Hierholzer
Kathryn Louise (Pfister) Hierholzer, age 90, of Celina, passed away Wednesday morning, January 4, 2017, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
Born January 26, 1926 in Willshire, she was a daughter of the late Eli & Emma Helen (Gerber) Pfister. Kathryn and Louis Joseph Hierholzer Sr. were married on June 4, 1960, and he preceded her in death on March 26, 2010.
She is survived by their three Children: Louis (Nancy) Hierholzer Jr. of Celina, Louisa Josephine Hierholzer of Rockville, MD and Maryella Ruth Hierholzer of Columbia, MD, and two grandchildren: Luke & Leia Hierholzer. Also surviving are a Brother and two Sisters: John G. (Patricia) Pfister of Fort Wayne, IN, Matilda Howell of Celina and Pauline Baxter of Willshire.
She was preceded in death by two Sisters and four Brothers: Sophie Mae Pfister, Marie Martin and Elmer, Paul, Ralph & Robert Pfister.
Kathryn graduated as President of her High School class. She then attended St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, studying Spanish, French and Music. She had worked at General Electric in Fort Wayne, and was employed at the Celina Walmart Store for 15 years.
In the late 1970's, Kathryn served on the Celina City Council, started a local daycare for the children of Mexican migrant workers, and taught 11th grade CCD classes at Immaculate Conception School.
An active Republican, Kathryn served as a delegate to the Republican National Conventions held during the first presidential campaigns of both Gerald R. Ford and Ronald Reagan. She co-founded the Mercer County Republican Women's Group. Kathryn started "The Forum," a group who met regularly at the Mercer County Courthouse to discuss issues. She also participated in a "Great Books" book club.
The life and reign of Queen Elizabeth of England were of special interest to Kathryn. She conducted extensive research on the Queen, assembling a large collection of memorabilia and information about her.
A devout Catholic, Kathryn was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, and was a supporter of Right to Life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 7, at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina.
Calling Hours are 2:00-6:00 P.M., Friday, January 6, and from 9:00-9:45 A.M. on Saturday, January 7, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Mercer County Right to Life.
Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.
