Katharina Blechschmidt

Katharina was born December 6, 1922, in Liebling, Banat, Romania to Martin and Katharina (Walbert) Heinz. She was joined by her brother, Martin Heinz Jr., seven years later.

As a child, and throughout her life, Katharina was independent, a forward-thinking modern woman who pushed boundaries. Katharina was a leader, who deeply honored and respected her German Volksdeutsche/Donauschwaben heritage. She was a highly regarded student who borrowed and read nearly every book in Liebling, recited poetry, sang harmony, and enjoyed folk dancing with Karl Blechschmidt, her dancing partner, and later her beloved partner in life. Katharina and her family fled Liebling during World War II, trekked to Austria, where Katharina was reunited with Karl, married, and had their first child. In 1950, her family entered the United States, later welcomed a second daughter, and were proud to become naturalized citizens.

Two years after arriving in Chicago, Katharina became the first of her generation to be elected to the Board of the Lieblinger Pleasure Society, serving for 25 years as their Secretary, and leading changes and reforms. Katharina was proud to be named an Honorary Member of the Verein.

Her hobbies included reading, cross-stitch, enjoying her summer cottage in Twin Lakes, shelling on Sanibel, shopping at Marshall Fields, Estate sales, and resale shops, enjoying her family, and traveling with Karl to over 40 states and 15 countries. Throughout her life and travels, Katharina made instant life-long friends, and looked to the future instead of living in the past.

Katharina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Karl Blechschmidt, her loving parents, dear brother, and fond son-in-law Richard B. Amundsen. Katharina is survived by her cherished children Catherine Amundsen, Heidi (Mark) Atkinson; devoted grandchildren Erika (Jeff) Sampson, Christopher (Lisa Menninger) Atkinson, Elizabeth (Kevin) Conway; dearest great-grandchildren Jack Conway, Liam Atkinson, Madelyn Conway, and Oliver Atkinson; and loving aunt to one nephew and two nieces.

Visitation and funeral services for Katharina will be held at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Visitation begins at 10:00 am, funeral service at noon, and interment at Rosehill Cemetery following the funeral services.

Flowers are accepted. Donations may be made to Feed My Starving Children in Katharina’s memory through https://give.fmsc.org/campaign/521429/donate

Katharina’s family thanks her friends and staff at Silver Glen Senior Living, In Home Services, and Heartland Hospice for their support, friendship, and loving care.