Katherine Ann Vrablic

Katherine “Kathy” Vrablic, age 71, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026.

Born on January 5, 1955, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Kathy was the beloved daughter of Elwood Klepper and Irma Becker. A proud first-generation daughter of German parents and member of the well-known Klepper Bakery family, Kathy was raised with strong morals, deep family values, and an exceptional work ethic that shaped her throughout her life. She excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian of her high school class before earning her teaching degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign. Although she began in education, her talent for mathematics and experience in the family business led her to pursue a different profession. She later earned her master’s degree in accounting from DePaul University and built a successful business career in auditing.

Kathy met the love of her life, Raymond “Ray” Vrablic, while they worked together as traveling auditors for First National Bank of Chicago. Their first date at McDonald’s in 1979 began a beautiful love story that spanned more than 45 years. They were married on Columbus Day in October 1980, often joking through the years that they had “sailed the ocean blue.” Together, Kathy and Ray built a life centered on love, laughter, and family, settling in Mokena in 1983 where they raised their three daughters. Their treasured 1967 Buick Skylark remained a meaningful symbol of the memories they built together.

Family was the heart of Kathy’s life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who selflessly dedicated herself to creating a warm, welcoming, and beautifully kept home. With quiet strength, grace, and steady wisdom, she lovingly guided her family, preserved cherished traditions, and made every moment meaningful.

Kathy appreciated simplicity, order, and elegance, balancing Ray’s collecting spirit with her own minimalist nature. She was a woman of many passions who found joy in life’s simple pleasures including music, piano playing, gardening, birdwatching and puzzles. Deeply devoted to honoring her family’s history, Kathy took great pride in researching both her own ancestry and Ray’s, carefully preserving their shared family legacy for future generations. Alongside her husband, Ray, she cherished cross-country road trips, exploring new places, visiting landmarks, and creating lasting memories through their travels. She was also a devoted supporter of her daughters and granddaughter, faithfully cheering them on at sporting events, band concerts, and every milestone that brought her family joy.

Kathy will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, compassion, unwavering devotion to family, and the legacy of love, warmth, and traditions she leaves behind.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Ray Vrablic; her loving daughters, Ann Brazinsky, Carolyn (Jake) McGowan, and Mary (fiancé Joel Cleary) Vrablic; her cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth Brazinsky and Audrey McGowan; and her dear sister, Elizabeth Windish.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Elwood and Irma Klepper.

Kathy’s life was a beautiful example of love, dedication, and family, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 S. Wolf Road, Mokena, Illinois 60448.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 19515 115th Avenue, Mokena, Illinois 60448.

Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery.Katherine was a very giving person and appreciated the following charities. The family encourages you to support them in lieu of flowers. Here are the official donation and coordinating links for each organization:

• Guiding Eyes for the Blind Donations (Guiding Eyes for the Blind)

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Donations (VFW)

• American Cancer Society Donate (American Cancer Society)

• Association of the Miraculous Medal Donations

• Priests of the Sacred Heart Donations