Kathryn Eleanor Van Duyne

Kathryn Eleanor Kuzel Van Duyne (aged 97) passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 at the home of her daughter, Kathleen, and son-in-law Kevin, in Whitefish Bay, WI, where she was lovingly cared for the last two years of her life, and where her extended family were welcomed and frequent visitors.

Kathryn lived the remainder of her 95 years almost entirely on 2nd Street in Coal City, on the same block.

Born July 29, 1926 in Lorenzo, Illinois, Kathryn was a daughter of Joseph and Stella (Ryan) Kuzel. She was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High with the class of 1944.

Kathryn met Francis Van Duyne on the night he returned from the US Army at the end of World War II and they married a year later. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before Francis passed away in October, 2013.

Together they raised their family – Jay (Kathy) Van Duyne, Diane (Bill) Waite, Kathleen (Kevin) Manske and Philip (Kathleen) Van Duyne. She and Franny had 11 grandchildren: Bridgette (Phil) Hertz, Eric and Craig Van Duyne, Ryan (Julia) Waite, Kelly (James Gutsch) Manske and Andy Manske, and Margaret (Mike) Gawrych, Mary Van Duyne, Megan (Danny) Kraemer, Philip (Marcus) Van Duyne and Monica (Jack Grondwalski) Van Duyne. They have 12 and counting great grandchildren: Allison and Marissa Hertz; Gavin, Gabrielle, Dane and Darcy Van Duyne; Madelyn and Eleanor Waite, Robert and Grace Gawrych, Hailey and Abigail Kraemer.

Kathryn lived a long, happy and healthy life and we were so blessed to have her. She found the joy in everyday life: enjoying nature, her Cubs and especially her family. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the M.S. Society or Assumption Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father Josh Miller presiding and Deacon Bill Dunn assisting.

A memorial meal will immediately follow the Mass and Kathryn will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood along with Franny.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Kathryn’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. In Coal City. (815-634-2125)