Kathleen was born on June 5, 1961 at the Home Hospital in Sterling to Robert and Mary Kay (Fitzgerald) Schultz. She graduated in 1979 from Sterling High School and then attended the University of Arizona where she studied what she loved, Journalism.
She spent her whole life in the newspaper business as a Columnist, Reporter, Copy Editor and Editor. There was no part of the business she was afraid to do. First in Arizona then California, Montana, and finally Illinois when she returned home to Sterling in 2005. While holding many positions at the Daily Gazette / Sauk Valley Media, her passion was court reporting. She wasn’t afraid to ask what needed to be asked, to hound anyone to get the facts even if it ruffled a few feathers. Her passion was the story and to tell it with facts and compassion.
Survivors include her children, Christopher Adam Haugen of Dixon, Joey and Christie Haugen, both of Sterling; her siblings, James Schultz, Michael Schultz, Joan Gascoigne, Christine (John) Wheaton, Steve Schultz and Jeffery Schultz, all of Sterling, and Susan (Brett) Farrell of Milledgeville.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There are no services planned. Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.
Memorial donations in her honor can be made to Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family of Kathleen, please visit the floral store.
