Kathy Loyet

Kathryn Caroline "Kathy" (nee Richter) Loyet passed away on June 30, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her.

Born on November 18, 1940, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Illinois, to George William and Leona Mary Richter, Kathy was a woman of deep faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Raised on the family farm in Breese, she learned the value of hard work early, helping with everything from planting and harvesting crops to milking cows - a work ethic that defined her throughout her life.

A graduate of Mater Dei High School, Kathy began her career as a secretary for the Clinton County State’s Attorney before moving to work at Scott Air Force Base, where she served at MAC Headquarters. She held a Top-Secret clearance and proudly supported the Command Post during critical national events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. After a 15-year hiatus to raise her children, she returned to the workforce in 1983, transitioning into a successful career in administrative and budget analysis for government contractors. She retired from BAE Systems in 2009.

On September 2, 1963, Kathy married the love of her life, Glenn. Together, they made their home in O'Fallon, Illinois, where they built a life centered around their three children. Their 62-year marriage was a testament to partnership, trust, and shared values.

Kathy was the heart of her family and deeply committed to her community. She was a past member of the Mater Dei Alumni Association, where she served as secretary; the St. Clare Mothers’ and Friends’ Club, where she also served as secretary; and the O’Fallon Junior Women’s Club. When her children were growing up, she was a regular volunteer at St. Clare School. A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Clare and St. Nicholas Churches for over 50 years, serving in the choirs of both parishes throughout that time. She was also a member of "Yesterdays’ Kids" and the St. Nicholas Book Club, and she dedicated many years to volunteer work for the parish.

She was a woman of many talents and an active spirit. A gifted baker, she taught herself cake decorating to create special birthday cakes for her children - a tradition that became a beloved highlight of every family celebration. She and Glenn were an unforgettable pair on the dance floor, moving with such grace and joy that others would often stop to watch. She deeply cherished her friends, regularly meeting for lunches and spending many happy hours playing cards, with euchre being a particular favorite. She also enjoyed walking, reading, and traveling to her grandchildren’s sporting and other events, and traveling for pleasure.

In her later years, her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and deep Catholic faith. Her advice to future generations was simple but profound: "Work hard, stay close to God, and always be kind and compassionate toward others."

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Leona (nee Timmermann) and George Richter; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Hilda (nee Kapp) and Jerome Loyet; her brother, Michael Richter; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lois and Dave Carson, Merril and Grace Loyet, Jim Rakers, and Mary Wondolowski; and her great-grandson, Thomas Jeffery Goss III.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Glenn Loyet; her children, Scott (Camilla Kazimi) Loyet, Kim (Charlie) Welker, and Kelly (Andrew Prock) Loyet; her grandchildren, Mason Loyet, Allison Loyet, Rachel (Thomas) Goss, Lindsay Welker, Evan Prock, and Katelyn Prock; and her two great-grandchildren, Mary Ann and Griffin Goss. She is also survived by her siblings, Marilyn Rakers, Paul (Carol) Richter, Frank Richter, Mark (Judy) Richter, and Barbara (John) Barr; her sister-in-law, Theresa Richter; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Russel and Elaine Loyet, Michael and Collette Loyet, and Ed Wondolowski; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 pm, Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon, Ill., and will resume at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Yesterday’s Kids will conduct a brief prayer service at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon, Ill., with Rev. Nick Junker presiding. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill. Online condolences and messages to the family may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com, or in care of Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.