Kathryn Peot

Kathryn Peot, age 93, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2018, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025 at her home. She was born on August 24, 1931 in Green Bay, WI. Kate was a former longtime resident of Oak Brook, IL (1986-2018) and Naperville, IL (1965-1986).

 

Kate is survived by her loving children, Susanne (Kevin) Gensler, Regina (Dave) Zager, Mary (Chuck) Corrigan, Bob (Mary Beth) Peot, Theresa Peot, Annette (Pete) Kimmel, Jane (James) Wing, and Carol Peot; her grandchildren, Becky, Ben (Krista), Luke (Kirstin), Nick (Jennifer), Danny, Charlie (Kate), John (Kristen), Katie (Tom), Bryan (Zoe), Kevin (Abby), Maggie, Molly (Aidan), Casey (Laura), Trevor, Jake (Hilary), Sarah (Tucker), Joe, James (Olivia), Jack, Caroline (Tommy), Max, Abby, Emma, and Casady; her seventeen great-grandchildren, Mary, John, Sam, Elyse, Colin, Aiden, Kaylee, Liam, Sadie, Emily, Austin, Connor, Evelyn, Fred, Tyler, Maverick, and Ella Mae; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

 

Kate was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert J. Peot; her son, John Nicholas Peot; her grandson, Scott David Zager; her parents, Regina (nee Schauer) and Ray Kiefer; her siblings and their spouses, John (Jeanne) Kiefer, Ray (Nancy) Kiefer, Jean (Robert) Fiedler, Peter (Marianne) Kiefer, Rev. David Kiefer, and Ann (Roger) Dornburg.

 

Kate attended St. Matthew’s School and St. Joseph’s Academy in Green Bay, WI, and was a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She was employed as a designer at Schauer & Schumacher Furniture Store, her family’s business, until her marriage to Robert in 1956.

 

Kate was an extraordinary volunteer throughout her lifetime. Among other roles she was a Scout leader, a constant helpful presence at St. Raphael School while her children were attending and spent many hours on pool decks as the scorer of swim meets. Kate volunteered with charities apart from her own children’s activities as well. She taught swimming to special needs children at the Naperville YMCA and brought those swimmers to compete in the Special Olympics. For many years she spent countless hours running the thrift shop at the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. And for quite a few Labor Day weekends she volunteered in the food tent at the Naperville Jaycees Last Fling. Additionally, Kate was a member of the Board of Directors of the Naperville YMCA and President of the School Board at St Raphael School.

 

Both Kate and her husband Bob were lifelong passionate Green Bay Packer fans, and she also was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs. However, Kate was an even greater fan at the sporting and cultural events of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She cheered enthusiastically at innumerable swim meets, horse shows, soccer, baseball, football, hockey, and basketball games. She happily was in the audience at dance recitals, band concerts, drama and musical productions, and so many grade school, high school, and college graduations. Over the years she traveled and cheered on the accomplishments of her family members across the country, from Moscow, Idaho to Orlando, Florida.

 

Above all Kate was a woman of great faith. She genuinely believed in the need to serve the underprivileged, that actions speak louder than words. She passed on those strong beliefs to her entire family. After the passing of her husband, she established the Robert J. Peot Foundation, which supports students at the College of Menominee Nation.

 

For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to the life of Kathryn Ann Peot, memorial donations may be directed to the Robert J. Peot Foundation c/o Charles J. Corrigan, Treasurer, at 111 E. Jefferson Ave. Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60540.

 

Visitation will be Thursday, August 28, 4:00-8:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 29, 10:30 AM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd., Naperville. Interment will be at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville.