Kathy M. Wilkey

Age 73 of Braceville, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois.

Born June 23, 1952 in Aurora, Illinois, Kathy Mae was the daughter of Edward M. and Marion (Vago) Olson. She was raised and educated in Plattville, Illinois and Braceville, Illinois where she graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the Class of 1970. On July 18, 1981, Kathy married Herbert Stanley Wilkey at the Braceville United Methodist Church, and together they made their home in Braceville and raised their family.

She was a member of Braceville United Methodist Church and was employed by RR Donnelly in Dwight for over 35 years, retiring as a mail router. Kathy loved bringing people together by cooking delicious meals. She was well known for her cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers, as well as her pumpkin squares and cherry cheesecake for dessert. Kathy also had a love of classic cars, a passion that she shared with her brothers. She was an animal lover who supported local shelters, having a soft spot for her four-legged companions.

Kathy was an incredibly brave, strong and resilient woman who faced many health challenges with incredible courage and unwavering strength. She inspired everyone who knew her with her grace and resilience, never once complaining about the challenges life sent her way. Her gracious heart was open to anyone in need, with her kindness and selfless attitude always apparent to those who knew and loved her. Kathy had a deep love for family and cherished any and all time spent with them. She set a great example for any to follow and will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to be her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Herbert S. Wilkey of Braceville, daughter, Krystal Wilkey (Jason Buchanan) of Gardner, and granddaughter, Jayden Buchanan; one brother, Larry (Debbie) Olson; brothers and sisters-in-law: Janice "Pinky" Olson, Sue Olson, Virginia Olson, Kathy (the late Dave) Curl, William (Jeanette) Wilkey, Duane (Aggie) Wilkey, Su (Robert) Thompson, James (Kelly) Wilkey, Doug (Julie) Wilkey, Nancy Wilkey, and Nora “Dottie” Wilkey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Edward "Butch" Olson, Roger Olson and Rocky Olson; mother and father-in-law: William and Beata (Benson) Wilkey; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Wayne Wilkey, Wes Wilkey, Patsy (Jim) Wilkey-Perry, Sandra (Don) Jensen, Terry Wilkey, and Randy Wilkey.

Cremation rites are being accorded, and the family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 North Liberty Street, in Gardner on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 7:00 p.m.

A private inurnment will be held at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Kathy’s name may be made to a local animal shelter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-237-2526)