Obituary: Metz

Kathryn L. “Katie” Metz, 93, of Fairbury and Forrest, died peacefully at home on August 2, 2025. Private family services are being held and she will be buried in Avoca Township Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life with casual or Cubs attire, will be held from 3-7:00pm, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Indian Creek Country Club, Fairbury. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to OSF Hospice,1701 E. College Ave, Bloomington, IL 61704, or Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia Research.

Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Katie was born on September 2, 1931, in Deer Creek, the 7th child of 13 to Harlan and Minnie (Brown) Underwood. 

Katie was a 1949 graduate of Arrowsmith High School. She married Kenny Metz on November 14, 1953. She was preceded in death by her 12 siblings and beloved husband of 39 years. 

Surviving are their children, Debbie Wharton, Bloomington, Sherrie (Sam) Schmidgall, Forrest and Jeanie Ingram, Forrest, who she lived with the last 12 years. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Robert Benjamin Wharton, Jodi (Eric Coit) Wharton, Brad (Anna) Schmidgall and Kelli (Mike) Cruce; eight great-grandchildren, Cole Shawback, Dany and Sydnee Wharton, Carolyn, Henry and Elaine Schmidgall, Reagan and Wyatt Cruce.; sister-in-laws, Elsie (Rich) Schaffer, Peggy Metz and numerous nieces and nephews that simply referred to her as “Favorite Aunt Kate”. 

Kenny and Kate raised their girls on the farm north of Fairbury. Katie was a dedicated and hands-on farmer’s wife. Their farm and the cabin in the timber hold very special memories for their family and friends. After farming Kenny and Kate painted and wall papered for years. She will be best remembered for her coffee cakes, chocolate chip cookies, being a die-hard Cubs and Illini basketball fan. She enjoyed playing euchre, family reunions, a good joke and attending her grandkids and great-grandkids activities.