Katherine E. Blackburn

Katherine E. Blackburn, 76, of Galesburg, died at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2017 at home.

Katherine was born December 11, 1940 in Galesburg, the daughter of Karl A. and Mildred M. Tuthill Sandburg.  She married Robert E. Blackburn of Galesburg on July 14, 2001 in Tacoma, WA.  She is survived by her loving husband; two sons, Jeff (Lynne) Cunningham of Olympia, WA and Timothy Courson of Galesburg; two step sons, Ryan (Rachael) Blackburn of Chicago and Duffy (Rachel) Blackburn of Joliet; 8 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Karen Moon of Franklin, VA.  She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, B. Karlene Miller.

Katherine worked at Ball Foster in Lincoln, IL for many years, retiring in 1995.  She later worked as the warehouse manager for Blackburn Sampling in Galesburg.  She was a longtime member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a member of the B. Karlene Relay for Life team.  Katherine operated K’s Krafts with her sisters for several years.  She also enjoyed bowling and playing bingo.

The rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with visitation following from 6 to 8 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made in Katherine’s memory to the Ladies of Mary or the GHS Girl’s Soccer Program.  Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.