Catherine F. Etzel

Miss Catherine F. Etzel, 96, of Rock Island, passed away on Monday March 12, 2018 at at 3:20:35 pm in UPH Trinity, Rock Island.

A Memorial Mass will be held 1:30 Friday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island, where family will be available to greet friends a half hour before services.  Inurnment, per her wishes, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to suicide awareness education, www.foster'svoice.com, Multiple Sclerosis research, or AAVENGE.

Catherine was born on February 24, 1922 in Rock Island, the daughter of Fred C. and Maryanne (Sheil) Etzel. She graduated with honors from St. Joseph Catholic School in 1939, and later attended classes at Black Hawk College, while working full time.  After high school, at the age of 17, she started working at the rationing board during WW II. She later worked as a secretary at Modern Woodman, in advertising at Eagle Food Stores, in publicity at Ramsey Advertising, and in accounting at Pav-Saver Manufacturing. She received many work awards and commendations over the years.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and then later, St. Pius, both Rock Island.

Catherine was well known for her sharp mind, quick wit, and loving heart, attending all family functions regularly, including holidays and birthdays. She enjoyed bowling, traveling with friends, playing cards, the casinos, a good game of Trivia, and good conversation. She drove and took care of herself independently, and with great spirit and a fun-loving heart, until her 95th birthday. 

She is survived by several nieces, Barbara Owens, CA, Mary Bailey, MO, Debbie Shields, IA, Susan Vize, Jane Conwell, and Roxanne Harms, IL. She helped raise the latter three. She also had several great nephews, nieces, numerous cousins, and a longtime best friend, Winnie Boettcher, IA.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and 2 sisters. A true matriarch, she was the last of her family's generation. Her family would like to thank her doctors, the staff at St. Pius, and a special caregiver for the last two years, Janis Shippey, for their wonderful care.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com
 

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