Catherine Louise (Strack) Bangert, 77, of Ottawa, died Wednesday evening, November 27, 2024 at Pleasant View Nursing Home after courageously living with Parkinson's Disease in her later years.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Valentine's Church, Peru with Rev. Gary Blake, pastor officiating. Burial will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Leonore. Visitation will be 9:30-11:20 AM Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Valentine's Church, Peru. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.

Cathy was born on October 6, 1947 in Peru to Louis and Catherine (Shane) Strack. She married John Bangert on June 14, 1969 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Leonore.

Cathy was the trusted and selfless supporter to many loved ones, always willing to take on any responsibility. As a young person she was gifted in music and math, serving as president and valedictorian of her 1965 Tonica High School graduating class. She earned a BS in education from Illinois State University. She supported John on their farm for many years and she retired after 18 years at Illinois Valley Community College, with her final role as the Director of Institutional Research.

Cathy was mom to Jeff (Dianne) Bangert of Ottawa, Amy (John) Missel of Streator, Jenny (Barrett) Goodman of Johnston, IA, and Jerrod Bangert of Streator. She was the loving "Nana" to 10 grandchildren, Zachary, Taylor, Isaac, Lauren, Isabel, Nora, Morgan, Anneliese, Cooper, and Javin, and one great-grandchild, James. She was one of eight children with siblings, Robert (Diane) Strack, Joan (Terry) Novak, Richard (Diane) Strack, LouAnn (Bill) Bernadoni, Rod (Rhonda) Strack, Dean Strack, and Deb (Dennis) Tomaszewski. Her family expanded to include stepmother, Marge Strack, and step-brothers, Chuck Piecha and Dan (Judy) Piecha. She was also sister-in-law to Florian (Bonnie) Bangert, Marilyn (Ernest) Carlson, Duane (Pat) Bangert, Rosan (Jerry) Gruetzemacher, and Ron (Phyllis) Bangert. And, "Aunt Cathy" will be remembered by many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John on November 2, 2020; her daughter, Amy; her parents, Louis and Catherine; her sister, LouAnn and Bill Bernadoni; and in-laws, Anton and Bretice Bangert, and Florian Bangert, Marilyn and Ernest Carlson, Duane Bangert, Pat Rich, and Jack Knapp.

Pallbearers will be John Missel, Barrett Goodman, Zachary Missel, and Isaac Missel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org).