Katherine graduated from Moline High School in 1932. After graduation she attended business school in Davenport, Iowa. Her career began in the office of the Moline Sears and Roebuck store. She also worked in the cost accounting offices of American Machine and Metals, Standard Oil and Farmall.

Katherine married Chester Carlisle Schmidt in 1939. They resided in Moline and Rock Island. Although they had no children of their own, Katherine took an active interest in the lives of her 18 nieces and nephews. She was an accomplished homemaker and made some of the best pies both east and west of the Mississippi River. Katherine and Chet traveled extensively throughout the United States, South America and Spain. After Chester’s death in 1985, Katherine continued to travel with friends and family. She also enjoyed playing the organ, playing bridge, and spending time at her Mississippi River cottage in Cordova. Katherine was a lifelong member of the Illinois Branch of the International Order of King’s Daughters and helped with the founding of Friendship Manor. She was also a member of South Park Presbyterian Church of Rock Island.

Katherine is survived by her sister, Trudy Groth of Laguna Beach, CA; sister-in-law, Alice Flick of Moline; and brother-in-law, John Leskovec of Elmira, New York; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester; sisters, Anita Maxeiner and Lorita Elsie Leskovec; and brothers, Conrad Arthur Flick Jr. and William Karl Flick.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in the spring. Private burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island. Arrangements were entrusted to Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity in Katherine Schmidt’s name.