Kathleen "Kate" D. (Hettermann) Fugiel

Kathleen “Kate” (Hettermann) Fugiel passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 8, 2021 at the age of 75.  Kate lived in Cary for over 40 years with her late husband, Bob, whom she was married to for 43 years before he proceeded her in death in August 2020.  Kate had recently sold her home on High Road in Cary, where many that knew her have fond memories of fabulous pool parties, fireworks, grill outs, and family gatherings.

Kate was born on February 6, 1946 in Woodstock, Illinois, to the late Edwin and Dorothy (Herdrich) Hettermann.  She grew up in Johnsburg and was in the first 4-year graduating class of Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock.  She commuted into Chicago on the train and worked as the secretary to the president of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad for several years before meeting Bob.  On April 30, 1978 Bob and Kate were married and their love story began.  Bob always affectionately referred to Kate as “his bride.”  Kate not only meticulously kept the books and served as president for the family business, Fugiel Railroad Supply, but she also loved being a homemaker and was a fabulous hostess.  Everyone knew that the Fugiel door was always open if they wanted to come by for a visit, a drink, or a swim. Kate was an avid reader, loved shopping, traveling to Florida, and being pampered at the salon.  She loved playing golf and having lunch with her “golf girls” whom referred to her as “Straight Kate.” She had an absolutely infectious laugh and her grandkids adored swimming and playing games with her.

Kate is survived by her two daughters: Holly (Jon) Grosshans and Heather (Jimmy) Evans.  Kate was the loving “Grama” to Seamus and Sloane Evans and Jack and Henry Grosshans.  Kate is also survived by her siblings Harry (Kathy) Hettermann, Ed (Lina) Hettermann, Diane DeWolfe, sister-in-law Pat Hettermann, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was proceeded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, her siblings Bob Hettermann and Joe Hettermann, her brother-in-law Mike DeWolfe, and her nephew Bobby Hettermann. 

Throughout the years Kate and her family have been exceptionally grateful for the support and love of her nephew, Jason Hettermann, and her friend Maureen Gibbons.

Visitation for Kate will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 4:00PM until 8:00PM at the Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, Illinois.  A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 10:30AM at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 410 North First Street, Cary, Illinois.  The family requests that masks be worn at the visitation and the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, it would be appreciated if donations were made to the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Foundation, as two of Kate’s grandchildren have been diagnosed with this rare condition.  Please visit: https://shwachman-diamond.org/kate-fugiel-memorial/ to make a donation in her name.

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