Kathryn “Kay” Engelhardt, nee Freiburger, age 82, passed away peacefully at her home in the Villages, FL, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, February 19, 2026. She inspired all who knew her with her grace, strength, and loving spirit.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa on June 4, 1943, Kay was the fourth eldest child of Catherine Blasen Freiburger and Cletus Freiburger. Kay grew up in Dubuque alongside her eleven siblings with her brothers (Bob, Joe, Cleutus, Dan, David, and Carl) and her sisters (Betty, Mary, Elaine, Barbara, and Marlene). They were surrounded by a large Catholic family that included over fifty cousins.

Kay attended Holy Ghost Catholic Grade School, Wahlert Catholic High School, and Clarke College. From an early age, she embodied selflessness and was a force of good. When she wasn’t spending time on the Mississippi River beaches, she worked her summers at the Point Drive-In and spent time at her Dad’s dairy.

She married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Engelhardt, on August 1, 1964, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. They soon moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to start their family, welcoming Rob and Beth and then moved to Waukegan, Illinois shortly thereafter, where they welcomed Michael and John. With their family now complete, they later moved to Deerfield, their home for over 45 years. Kay’s love of children was ever present. Over the years, she taught primary grade school in Milwaukee, WI, at Our Lady of Humility in Beach Park, IL and Holy Cross in Deerfield, IL. Kay also enjoyed traveling especially when it involved family. Whether it was road trips, camping, or tours around the U.S. and Europe, she enjoyed discovering new places with the ones she loved.

Kay was a loving and supporting presence to her family and friends through all aspects of their lives. Her warmth left an enduring imprint on every heart she touched. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 61 years; children, Robert “Rob” (Joan) Engelhardt, Elizabeth “Beth” (Tom) Karlson, Michael “Mike” Engelhardt, and John (Alexis) Engelhardt; 10 grandchildren: Nicole Engelhardt; Emma, Hannah, and Caroline Karlson; Linnea, Alexander, Alicia, and Emily Engelhardt; Marcus and Clara Engelhardt. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Cleutus; her brother, David and her brothers and sisters in-law, John Marini, Wayne Valentine, Bill Szlaius, Al & Barbara Mattaliano, and Amy Jo Engelhardt.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA. Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Interment was in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.