Kathryn L. Binz

Kathryn L. Binz, 79, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022. She was born July 26, 1943, in Rockford, IL to LeRoy and Ruth Swanberg Bruneni. Kathryn (Kay) attended Muldoon High School graduating in 1961 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Quincy University. It was there she met Leo Binz, the love of her life. They married on July 9, 1966. Kay taught elementary education for a few years and then dedicated herself to raising their five children. She later returned to teaching and always loved reuniting with past students and their parents. Her great passions in life were reading, quilting, gardening, supporting community literacy efforts, watching hummingbirds from her back porch, and spending time with her many friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, and her grandchildren in particular. 

 Kay is survived by her beloved husband, Leo; children, Joseph (Maralea) Binz, Lisa (Sohil) Bali, Andrew (Kelly) Binz, William Binz and Daniel (Emily) Binz; grandchildren, Madeline Binz, Brian Binz, Thomas Binz, Justin Binz, Charles Binz, Sadie Binz, Allison Binz, Claire Binz, Maya Bali, Andrew James Binz, Jayden Bali, Carolyn Binz and Emma Binz; brother, Thomas Bruneni and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Ruth. 

Visitation will be held Friday, October 7, 2022, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial of cremated remains at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Council of St. Vincent De Paul or the Literacy Project of Rock River Valley United Way. Please share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.