Helen "Katy" Catharine Gnehm

Katy was born November 13, 1927 in Brimfield, IL to Milan and Ruth (Dungan) Claybaugh. She married Fred Gnehm in Peoria on September 10, 1949. They were married for 58 years until Fred’s death in Feb 2008.

Surviving are their children: Kerry (Larry) Wheeler of Washington, IL and Andrew (Carol) Gnehm of East Peoria;

Grandchildren: Amy (Steve) Schoon, Heather (George) Fuller, Sean (Dianna) Gnehm, Joe (Dawn) Margetich, Mitchell Gnehm and Sondra Gnehm; eight Great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, James Claybaugh and two sisters-in-law: Karen Claybaugh and Linda Dinkins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Katy was preceded in death by her son, Milan Gnehm; granddaughter, Hope Gnehm; sister Jerry (Robert) Hill; brother Chuck Claybaugh, sister-in-law Carol Claybaugh, and two brothers-in-law: Donald Dinkins, and Donald Gnehm.

Katy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in East Peoria over 70 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, Ruth Circle, chairman of the Bazaar and her favorite, chairman of the quilters. Katy continued her calling to help others as a member of the Order of Eastern Star for 50+ years, Daughter of the American Revolution, ABWA where she held many offices including president and was voted the Woman of the Year in 1980. Katy also enjoyed quilting with the women at the Apostolic church for over 20 years.

Katy always had a positive outlook on life. She loved spending time with her family, friends, traveling, fishing, and quilting. Those who met her often came away with words of wisdom and encouragement.

We want to thank the staffs at Saxony Court in EP, Home Helpers, Transitions Hospice and Snyder Village for showing such care, compassion and concern for Katy over the last few years.

Memorials may be made to EP First United Methodist Church or IL Cancer Care.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Funeral services will be Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in East Peoria. Rev. Ted Hartley will officiate. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church.

Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

You may view Katy’s obituary online at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com