She graduated from Snider High School and Indiana University.
Katherine was a medical Technologist at Parkview Hospital, specializing in microbiology for 25 years. She also taught at Blackhawk Christian High School for 12 years, teaching AP biology, chemistry and math, retiring in 2012.
She took great joy in sewing and gardening and was very proud of her children and grandchildren.
Katherine is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Dennis L. Ruprecht of Fort Wayne, IN; children, Joel J. Ruprecht, Jaclyn (Jason) Kocks, both of Fort Wayne, IN; sister, Margaret “Peggy” (Steve) Briggs of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Aaron (Tara) Kocks, Ethan Kocks, Matthew Kocks and J’Son Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Nicole Gage Ayers Dixon.
A celebration of life will be at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with a gathering two hours prior. Private burial will be at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or Parkview Home Healthcare and Hospice.
