Kathryn A. (Tilp) Ludovissy
Kathryn A. (Tilp) Ludovissy, 73, of North Buena Vista, formerly of Dubuque, died March 12, 2016, with family by her side. Her strong will allowed her to fight cancer with unbelievable strength and courage. *Oh the beauty that on the date of her birth on earth she was also reborn to her new life with Christ in Heaven!*
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, North Buena Vista. Friends may greet the family at church beginning at 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, North Buena Vista.
Kathryn was born March 12, 1943, in Dubuque, daughter of Joseph and Eileen (May) Tilp. She grew up on Dubuque’s north side near Sacred Heart Church. Kathryn attended Sacred Heart School, St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Wahlert High School, class of 1961.
Kathryn married Celestine "Celly" Ludovissy on July 28, 1987, at Immaculate Conception Church in North Buena Vista. He preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 2004.
Kathryn’s first job was in the kitchen at the former Xavier Hospital. She then went to work at Walker’s Shoe Store and on to Dupaco Credit Union. A twenty-five year career awaited Kate at Vallet Poultry. As Office Manager, and more, she was instrumental in the growth and success of the business.
In her younger years Kathryn enjoyed the Point Roller Rink, league bowling, fishing, East Dubuque sandbar and nightlife and several trips to Las Vegas. In more recent years she enjoyed get-togethers with the “neighborhood girls” of her childhood.
Kathryn was a member of the Rosary Society and was truly generous with her time and talents. She actively supported the Church community in many ways, dating back to the 1970’s. She worked her final “Buenie” picnic prior to her mid-September cancer diagnosis. Kathryn devoted countless hours helping care for her mother in her final years.
Kathryn took pride in a well-kept home and yard. She gardened, cooked, baked, canned and shared the fruits of her labor. She was a serious Hawkeye and Cub fan, and a proud Democrat.
Kathryn is survived by her step-children, Mark (Diane) Ludovissy, Marlene (Dave) Errthum, Kenny (Sheila) Ludovissy and James (Linda) Ludovissy, all of North Buena Vista; step-grandchildren, Erin (Kenny) Potter, Donald “D.J.” Errthum, Jessie (Jessica) Errthum, Jake (special friend, Dani) Ludovissy, Amanda (Danny) Errthum, Joshua (Meghan) Ludovissy and Emily (Dustin) Wilwert; eight step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Joseph Tilp of Dubuque, Sandra (Donald) Koopmann of Peosta, Rev. John Tilp of Des Moines, Kenneth Tilp of Grosse Isle, Mich., and Kim Tilp of Dubuque; sisters-in-law, Louise Ludovissy and Madonna Ludovissy of Guttenberg, Laurie Ludovissy and Mary Engling of North Buena Vista.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law, Mary Tilp (Dec. 12, 2015), a niece, Kathryn (in infancy); brothers-in-law and sister-in-law; Joseph (Lillian) Ludovissy, Francis “Duke” Ludovissy, Walter Ludovissy and Clarence Ludovissy, and Ronald Engling.
It was Kathryn’s wish to extend special thanks to her sister-in-law, Mary Engling, treasured friend, Rosie Boge and kind neighbors, Carol and Don Riniker.
The family sincerely appreciates the compassionate care of Hospice of Dubuque, especially Allison, and Betsy, who was there in the final hours.
A Kathryn Ludovissy Memorial Fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left at www.hskfh.com
