Katharina Maertz (nee Kohler) passed away on February 28, 2022. She is survived by her loving children Katharina (Jack) Lenz, Elisabeth (Mark) Shinault and Thomas (Lori Tharp) Maertz; loving grandchildren Justin Maertz, Brandon (Rachel) Shinault, Kristin and Katrina Lenz, Amanda (Justin Kopf) Tharp and Sarah Tharp; loving great-grandmother of Cali and Emma Kopf; sister of Nikolaus (the late Olga Gronniger) Kohler, Stephen (Marcia) Kohler and Barbara (Frank) Aledam. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Anton Maertz, her son Anton R. Maertz and her parents, Nikolaus and Barbara Kohler.
Born December 12, 1937 in Yugoslavia, she immigrated to St. Louis with her family in 1952 at the age of 14. Shy as a teenager, she grew to be one of the strongest women that anyone fortunate to know her would ever meet. Katharina met her husband, Anton “Tony” Maertz, in December 1957, they were married 8 months later and raised four children. A widow at 58, she never wavered in her faith and continued to work as a cook in the Mehlville School District for many years, beating breast cancer, taking care of her parents and oldest son along the way. She adored her children and grandchildren and glowed with each of their accomplishments. She cherished spending time with family and friends. Her smile, kind words and ‘famous’ sayings will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be missed by many, especially her family that she loved unconditionally. Katharina was a loving sister in-law, aunt, great-aunt, Godmother, cousin and dear friend to many.
Services: Visitation at Kutis Funeral Home Affton on Thursday March 3 from 9:00 – 10:45 AM. Mass at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. Interment at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
Memorials to Susan G. Komen for the Cure or Alzheimer’s Association appreciated.