Obituary of Kathryn Ann Lorenc
Kathryn Ann “Kaye” Lorenc (née Kezerle), age 90, of Joliet. At peace, December 1, 2021 at Lightways Hospice. Preceded by her beloved husband, Albert Lorenc.
Born November 9, 1931 in Joliet, the daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline (née Penko), and the last surviving child of her family of ten children: Brothers John (the late Rosemary), Ignatius “Iggy” (the late Yolanda), Joseph (the late Elsie), George (the late Marjorie), Thomas, William (the late Teresa); and sisters Genevive “Gen” Lamonte (the late Carl), Mary Swanson (the late Oliver), and Bernadette Kezerle.
Kathryn worked as a computer operator, office clerk, and in other capacities for Caterpillar, Will County, and General Tire. Kathryn attended Joliet Township (now Joliet Central) High School after the war.
She is survived by her three children, Barbara (Dr. Christian) Struven of Plainfield, Ken (Denise) Lorenc of Joliet, and Eugene (Tracy) Lorenc of Rockdale; seven grandchildren, Christian, Douglas (Candy), and Wolfgang Struven, Adam and Aaron Lorenc, and Haley and Sara Lorenc; one great-grandson, Mason Struven; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathryn enjoyed travel with her lifelong friends, collecting memorabilia from the numerous places she visited; British television; corresponding with relatives near and far; clipping familiar obituaries from the Joliet newspapers and collecting Holy Cards. She proudly remembered working as a keypunch operator on early digital computers at Caterpillar, taking art classes at the Joliet Artists League in West Park, serving as a Cub Scout den mother. For many years, she would paint art on the front windows of her home in Joliet for Christmas, to the delight of her children. As the child of Croatian immigrants, she had a lifelong interest in Croatian culture. Above all, Kathryn took great pride in the achievements of her family.
Visitation for Kathryn Ann Lorenc will be held Monday, December 6, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet. Private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery to follow.
For information, please contact (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
