Kathleen Ann (Story) Umland

In Memory of Kathleen Ann (Story) Umland

(March 13, 1939 – January 1, 2019)

Kathleen, born in Peru Illinois to parents Adrian and Erma Story and younger sister to Joseph and Margaret-Mary, both deceased, was a loved and respected educator. She is survived by her sons Robert (Bob) and Richard (Rick), her daughters-in-law Amanda, Karen and Joan, and her grandchildren McKinzie, Grace, Jackleen, and Nicholas. Kathleen wed Raymond Umland (deceased), father to Bob and Rick, in 1965 and divorced in 1972.

Kathleen attended school in the LaSalle-Peru school district and went on to earn both a B.Ed. and an M.Ed. from Northern Illinois University. She began her teaching career at Harvard H.S. in 1962, where she taught Home Economics and Bachelor Living for 18 years before going on to teach 3rd grade for 18 more years at both Central and Jefferson elementary schools. She enjoyed sports immensely, participating in campus life and was a fixture working at school sporting events. After retirement, Kathleen continued to work with children as a reading mentor and tutor.

Kathleen enjoyed home arts, including cooking and sewing, and was keenly interested in folk art. She enjoyed attending artisan fairs and appreciated the craftsmanship of folk art woodworking, ceramics and glass, figurines and fiber wares. In particular, depictions of Ireland, the seasons and scenes of the local region, were favorites. Among her most valued possessions were the greater than 100 folk art apple figurines given to her over the years by her students. As an accomplished seamstress, Kathleen supplemented her income as a single mother by doing garment alterations in addition to making and mending clothing for her children.

One highlight of Kathleen’s life was a trip to Ireland with her sister to visit the homeland of her grandparents. Immigrants who had fled the famine and instilled in her the importance of family and of being of service to others.

Kathleen lived her faith as a devout congregant of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harvard. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the church and the Harvard School District Foundation, P.O. Box 582
Harvard, IL 60033

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St. Harvard, IL 60033. Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 206 E. Front St. Harvard, IL; with burial following.

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