Kathleen G. Warneke

Kathleen G. Warneke, 76, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2024, at Healthwin in South Bend, IN.  Born on September 4, 1947, in Minneapolis, MN, Kathleen was the cherished daughter of the late Raymond E. and Mildred Mae (Mehlhaff) Black.

She was an extremely proud and devoted mother to her son, Paul Warneke and daughter, Megan Warneke, both of South Bend.  She was preceded in death by her loving and wonderful husband of 56 years, Lon P. Warneke on September 3, 2023.

Kathie grew up as a child of a military family, so she was able to explore several cities throughout the country.  She often spoke fondly of memories in Brooklyn, NY with her mom, grandma, and aunt.  I believe her love for warmth, sunshine, beaches and palm trees began while her family was living in Puerto Rico.  Kathie attended several years of grade school there and enjoyed spending her time outside with her friends on the Air Force base.

The military brought her family to Papillion, NE during her high school years, where she wore her Monarchs colors proud.

Kathie worked as a car hop at Dog-N-Suds where she met Lon.  It turned out, he attended her rival high school, Ralston High, which had played her school in the 1964 State Championship Basketball game (which Lon was on that winning team).

Lon and Kathie’s relationship grew while they attended Wayne State College.  Kathie studied to become a Dental Assistant, a profession in which she knew well, and was extremely proud of.  She would always make sure her loved ones cared for their teeth.  She also loved talking to other dentists and hygienists about her work, as it was very close to her heart.

Lon entered the Navy; Lon and Kathie were married, and the Navy brought them to San Diego, CA. San Diego quickly became Kathie’s favorite place in the world as a Dental Assistant until she had Paul, and then became a stay-at-home mom.

She loved spending time with her kids.  She would take them to the beach every week to soak in the warmth of the sun.  Kathie loved palm trees and sand and the ocean.

After her kids were grown, she and Lon moved to South Bend, IN for his work until he retired.  She never forgot San Diego, and always hoped they could return there to live.  She and Lon traveled there any chance they got.

Kathie always dreamed of going to Paris, France to see the Eiffel Tower.  While she never had the opportunity on Earth, she was there in spirit with her daughter, Megan, when she traveled there with an art class in college.

Kathie loved spending time with Lon, Paul, and Megan.  She loved going out to eat daily, and trying new restaurants, always finding the best ones, and making more friends along the way.

Kathie and Lon were inseparable and shared a bond they understood more than anyone.  Their love for each other was strong and unbreakable.  Kathie cherished her children as well, and always wanted to make sure they were taken care of.  Kathie’s faith and love for Jesus were so strong and she shared that with everyone.

Funeral Services for Kathleen will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 2:00pm in the All-Faiths Funeral Home, 2929 S. Locust St., Grand Island, NE 68801.  Graveside services will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, 3826 W. Stolley Park Rd., Grand Island, NE.

Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Kathleen may be donated to her children or to her loving home church, Gospel City Church of Granger, IN.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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