Katherine M. Pasek

Katherine Margaret (Bohnen) Pasek passed away peacefully on October 2, 2014 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas at the age of 90. She was born in Dorrance, Kansas on June 18, 1924 to Mathias and Veronica (Degas) Bohnen. Katherine graduated from Bunker Hill High School with the Class of 1942. She went on to get her Teaching Certificate from Fort Hays State College. In 1945, during WWII, she taught classes in a one-room school house. After only one year of teaching, she met the love of her life. On December 26, 1946, she was united in marriage to Leo Pasek at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance, Kansas. To this union were born twelve children. In addition to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Katherine enjoyed cooking, gardening, crocheting, and attending church with her family. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Altar Society and was known for leading the Rosary before Mass. After Leo’s passing in 1969, she worked as a cook at the Bearhouse Caf? where she got to share her love of cooking, especially her famous fried chicken. Katherine is survived by her children Kathleen Modlin of Bunker Hill, Cynthia and husband Dave Bricker of Lucas, Judy and husband Kenny Soukup of Wilson, Rick Pasek of Russell, Sharolyn and husband Creighton Robinson of Evanston, WY, Carol Steinle of Dorrance, Mike and wife Jamie Pasek of Russell, and David and wife Cathy Pasek of Russell; 27 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved bird Peach Tree. She was preceded in death by her parents Mathias and Veronica Bohnen, husband Leo Pasek, sister Elizabeth, brothers Joe and John, daughters Marilyn, Betty Jean, and Mary Jane, son Donnie, and grandsons Kyle and Kory. A woman of deep faith. Love, and devotion, Katherine loved greatly and was greatly loved. Her family will profoundly miss the sound of her angelic whistle. Until we see her again, she will live forever in our hearts and in our memories.