ELKHART -- Katherine C. O'Hara, 83, of Woodfield Court, passed away unexpectedly Saturday (Nov. 25, 2006) at the home of her daughter in Madison, Wis., while visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday.

She was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Milwaukee, Wis., to the late August and Gertrude (Goiny) Klawa. On June 15, 1946, she married Thomas L. O'Hara in Milwaukee. He passed away on May 21, 1985, in Elkhart.

Mrs. O'Hara is survived by her son, Thom K. (Jackie) O'Hara of Elkhart; her daughters, Shari (Joe) Kuemmel of Madison and Michelle (Brad) Miller of Elkhart.

She leaves behind eight grandchildren, P.J., Mike and Ryan Miller, all of Elkhart, Kady and Jayme O'Hara, both of Elkhart, Dan and Mike Kuemmel of Chicago, Ill., and Kevin Kuemmel of Minnetonka, Minn. A sister, Lucille Goetz of San Antonio, Texas, also survives.

Her son, Daniel K. O'Hara; brothers, Charlie and Ben Klawa; and her sisters, Helen Millonzi and Marie Klawa; preceded her in death.

Mrs. O'Hara retired as the assistant manager for Tower Savings and Loan (now Standard Federal). She was a co-owner of the former Lookwell Dairy in Elkhart and formerly worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. for several years.

Katherine was a woman of great faith and was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where she was active in the Rosary Society and other church activities. She was active in many civic clubs including the Frontier Club, Married Women's Club and did volunteer work for several years at Elkhart General Hospital. She also was a member and secretary of the Walnut Trails Condominium Association for many years.

Katherine was a graduate of Mercy High School and attended Marquette University, both in Milwaukee. She was an avid bridge player and was a member of five bridge groups. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and her family will cherish the memories.

Friends and family of Katherine may call on Thursday from 2 to 7 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish vigil service will begin at 3 p.m. Friends may also call one hour prior to the 10 a.m. Friday Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Bill Sullivan of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church officiating. Burial and graveside services will follow in Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516 or United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 U.S. 33 E., Elkhart, IN 46517.

To leave a condolence or share a memory of Katherine with the family, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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