Kathleen June Kasprzak

Kathleen “Kathy” June Kasprzak, was born on February 19, 1945 and passed away on April 9, 2026. A faithful Christian educator, creative artist, and good-natured soul, Kathy was dedicated to her family and friends. We mourn the loss of her part in the Body of Christ on earth, even as we celebrate that she has entered the peace promised to her in heaven.

Kathy grew up in Villa Park, Illinois. She enjoyed visiting the Chicago Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry on special trips to the city. She studied art and art education at Northern Illinois University, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1967; the same year, she married her husband, Terry Kasprzak, on June 10th. Their story began with meeting in printmaking class; after class, they immediately went on a date to see a movie, Kiss Me, Stupid. It was the start of a partnership that would last a lifetime.

Kathy was a devoted Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She spent two summers as a counselor at Camp Dean in Illinois, where she experienced adventures, including a memorable night when a tornado swept through. Counselors led campers to shelter beneath the main lodge. All were safe, and the story became one of Kathy’s most adventurous moments.

Kathy and Terry married and moved to Glen Ellyn where they worked as art teachers. Kathy was an art teacher at Manheim Junior High for one year. They decided to move to Colorado in 1968. Kathy channeled her creative spirit into calligraphy, making afghans, Halloween costumes, and much more. She also made cards, crafting hundreds, perhaps thousands, of beautiful, personal cards that brought joy to countless recipients over the years. Alongside her daughter Judi, she co-hosted beloved craft and bake sales each spring and fall for more than a decade. Kathy’s homemade nut cups and handcrafted cards were perennial favorites.

Kathy and Terry also served together as counselors at Highlands Camp for two years, where Kathy taught crafts to campers. Highlands remained a cherished place for the family, and they were generous donors to its ministry.

For 10 years, from 1980 to 1990, Kathy served as Sunday School Coordinator at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, shaping the faith of children with characteristic care and creativity. She developed a custom curriculum and activities to engage many children. She was a longtime member of the Mountain View Presbyterian Women’s Circle, and she later joined First United Presbyterian Church, where she found a kindred community in a women’s card-making group. She made many meaningful contributions to the life of the church at both First on Fourth and Mountain View Presbyterian.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Terry, son David and his wife Ashley, son Tom, daughter Judi and son-in-law Jim. She is also survived by grandchildren Hailey and James Greenup; Jacob, Christian, Rebecca, and Aidan Kasprzak; and Jared and Brody Kasprzak. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Helen Kitzmiller, and her sister, Janet Hartgerink.

Terry said, “She was always at my side and will always be in my memory. I look forward to meeting her again.” The family gives special thanks to Judi and Jim for providing personalized care the several last months of Kathy’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Highlands Camp and Retreat Center, a place that held a special place in Kathy’s heart. https://highlandscamp.org/donate/