Katherine Dees

Katherine (Connell) Jane Dees, 90, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, in Carle Hospital Urbana, Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, beginning at 12:45 at the Blue Funeral Home, located at 1704 North Court Marion, Illinois with graveside services immediately following at Rosehill Cemetery in Marion, Illinois. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice at 4116 Fieldstone Champaign, Illinois 61822, or to the donor’s choice.

Katherine "Kack" was born February 15, 1934, to Alex and Ethel (Blue) Connell. She married Harold Dees on July 6, 1952. Survivors include daughters Rhonda Artwick and Darla Dees, sons and daughters-in-law James and Cathy Dees, Keith and Sue Dees, and Sam and Paula Dees, sister Carolyn (Connell) Lemmon, sister and brother-in-law Gary and Glenda (Connell) Kelton, 25 grandkids, 20 great-grandkids and four great-great grandkids, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Dees, parents Alex (Eck) and Ethel (Blue) Connell, sisters Elizabeth Eibe, brother Alex (Butch) Connell, brother-in-law William (Bill) Lemmon, and sons Harold L. Dees and Ronald E. Dees.

Katherine was a member of the United Missionary Baptist Church. Kack attended Marion schools where she was the lead drum majorette. She would perform at half-time sporting events and parades. She was the lead majorette in the parade that welcomed President Truman to Marion, Illinois. As a majorette, she also won second place in the baton twirling talent show. Among other talents, her love for playing baseball with the guys in school gained her the nickname “Slugger”.

After marriage, Harold and Katherine moved to Champaign, Illinois, where they started a construction company. She did the accounting along with running the materials and equipment to job sites. The business, along with raising six kids, kept her more than busy for many years. Later on in life, her love of her family was evident. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee, Mexican Train, and many other games along with Jigsaw puzzles with her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

She will be missed but forever loved. Heaven received a very special angel.