Katherine Ann Gorman Arenz

Katherine Ann Gorman Arenz, 99, was born in Winona, Minnesota, February 19, 1922 to John and Lillian Marie Gorman. Kay and her mother soon returned to the family farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. She returned to Winona at 13 years of age to care for her maternal grandmother. The entire family returned to the US shortly after and settled in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Kay lived the majority of her life.

Kay graduated from college in 1942 (age 20) and married her lifelong sweetheart, Herbert Arenz, in June. She taught High School English and spent summers working in a munitions factory while Herb was fighting in Germany during WWII. They were happily married for more than 70 years.

Her passions in life included family, education, travel, and books. She was a librarian for 35 years. Kay and Herb visited more than 50 countries after retirement. They traveled to Indiana and Germany to see their Grandson, JT. They enjoyed driving to Texas from Wisconsin to visit their Granddaughter, Julia. Gran and Gup, as they were affectionately known to one and all, moved to Indiana in 2003 when their Granddaughter, Katie, joined the family.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, and three siblings: Robert, Mary, and John. She is survived by her sister, Margaret Wood; her two children: Mary Beth Arenz (Gwynn Tucker) and John Arenz (Kimberly Arenz); and her three grandchildren : JT Tucker, Julia Arenz, and Katerina Tucker.

On what would have been her 100th birthday (19 February), a celebration of life will be held at 10 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6050 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis. Masks are required in the church.

Kay was vehemently opposed to flowers at funerals. The family hopes people will honor her wishes by contributing to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Katherine will join her husband at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.