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Kathryn Ann Korte Eickholz passed away peacefully at the farm with her family by her side early Thursday morning. She fought a long and grueling battle with ALS, but her courage and strength never once waivered.
Kathryn was born January 3, 1937 to Noah J and Agnes Korte in Metropolis. She graduated from Metropolis Community High School in 1954 and Murray State University in 1958 as an honors student with a degree in Education. Kathryn, known as “Kathy” only to her Murray State friends, was active in Sigma-Sigma-Sigma Sorority and hosted an annual reunion with her closest friends each year without fail. She was a spirited fan of Murray State Basketball, attending many games that routinely ended with post-game celebrations at Pete and Joy’s house with “the Beverlys” and her beloved Murray State fans.
Shortly after college, Kathryn married her sweetheart and lifelong partner Lindell Eickholz on August 16, 1958 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Metropolis. A few short weeks later she began her career as a 3rd grade teacher at Central School and later in the Rittner school district in St. Louis. Kathryn took a break from the classroom to raise her two sons Jeff and Jim, but soon returned to school to continue teaching. She spent several years as a Junior High School teacher where she made many friends and changed many lives. She didn’t just consider teaching her profession—it was her calling, and she loved and cared for each and every one of her students. Not a week goes by that the family doesn’t hear a story about how Mrs. Eickholz “believed in me when no one else did”, “made me want to learn”, or that “she was my favorite teacher, tough on me but really cared”. She was a lifelong educator and we all continue to learn from her wonderful life lessons.
Kathryn was a devoted member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church and spent countless hours serving her church in every capacity possible. She cherished her role as a member of the Altar Guild, where she used her deep knowledge and love of flowers to create a beautiful altar for many years. She was an avid gardener, and her talent was on full showcase when she retired and moved to the family farm, where she spent her days piddling in her yard. We like to think that her beautiful garden will eternally grow in Heaven.
Kathryn was generous with her time and always put others before herself, but never wanted any recognition in return. Friends, family, and even strangers would frequently open their mailboxes to find a handwritten, heartfelt note from Kathryn letting them know she was thinking about and praying for them.
Kathryn is survived by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Lindell Eickholz; her sons, Jeff Eickholz and wife Laura and Dr Jim Eickholz and wife Kim. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Dirk, Ali, Lauren, Elle and Erin Eickholz, all of which she was deeply proud of.
She is also survived by Her sister-in-law, Marcia (Korte) Jennings; brother-in-law, Robert Owen; nieces, Kandi (Korte) Kidd, Kristi Korte and Kay (Owen) McDowell; and nephews, John Kreuter and Kevin Owen.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Noah and Agnes Korte and Brothers, Charles William Korte and Joseph Noah Korte.
Services will be held Sunday, February 23, 2020 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Metropolis with visitation at 1 pm followed by funeral services at 4 pm.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Project Hope Animal Shelter, PO Box 125, Metropolis, IL 62960 or St Paul’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 816, Metropolis, IL 62960. Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathryn Ann (Korte) Eickholz, please visit our floral store.
Project Hope Humane Society
PO Box 125, Metropolis IL 62960
Tel: 1-618-524-8939
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
520 Ferry Street, Metropolis IL 62960
Tel: 1-618-524-8361
Web: http://www.stpaullutheranmetropolis.com/