Kathleen Matilda Kuerzi
Kathleen Matilda Kuerzi was born on January 6, 1938, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Constantine Joseph Kuerzi and Catherine Lillian Buckmann. She was the oldest of three children.
In the late 1940s, the family moved to Georgetown, Indiana, where they acquired farmland. Kathleen spent her pre-teen and teen years with her younger brothers, Connie and David, helping with farm chores including cooking for male hired help.
Upon graduation of Harrison Co. High School, Kathleen went to cosmetology school and also worked at Hellman’s Department Store selling costume jewelry. While working at Hellman’s, Kathleen caught the eye of Bill Knowles who was also working at Hellman’s selling women’s shoes.
The two dated and enjoyed square dancing on weekends. Kathleen and Bill were married in New Albany, Indiana. Their daughter, Susan, was born in 1959.
When Susan was three months old, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where Bill began a new job and a long career in the shoe business. During their first few years in St. Louis, Kathleen often worked at St. Ann’s Beauty Shop in the evenings while Bill would take Susan to Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In Restaurant for dinner since cooking was not his strong suit. After a few years in St. Louis, Kathleen started up a beauty shop in her home, which she operated for many years. During Susan’s high school years at Visitation Academy, Kathleen began working for the Visitation Sisters as their beautician and later as their evening cook. Kathleen’s culinary skills were admired and appreciated by the sisters. Kathleen opened a restaurant in Webster Groves, Missouri, called Katie’s Kitchen serving lunch, and featuring homemade donuts and potato chips, and frozen custard. The business continued for eight years.
Kathleen enjoyed entertaining and going out for lunch and dinner with longtime friends and at high school reunions in Indiana. Her love of food contributed to Susan’s interest in dietetics and cooking.
Kathleen loved spending time with her three grandchildren. She often had all three at her house for sleepovers. She enjoyed taking them on little trips including to antique stores and resale shops and to visit Brother Don to look at his paintings.
Kathleen was a loyal friend who often prepared a special meal or dessert for a friend in need. She will be missed greatly by family and friends.
Services: Visitation and funeral service will be held Friday, December 3 at the Hotchkiss Chapel at Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4947 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63115. Visitation at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow the service. Interment Bellefontaine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred or contributions to Ovarian and Uterine Cancer Awareness appreciated.
Love you forever, dearest Mother of Susan (Erich II) Press and Nana of Erich (Jaime) Press III, Will Press and Heidi Press!
Leave a Condolence