Katherine J. Koper, 86, of Belvidere, died Monday, January 16, 2006 in O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center following a short illness. Born December 6, 1919 in South Beloit, Illinois, daughter of August and Nora Jane (Chatsey) Dhom. Katherine has lived in Belvidere since 1945, coming here from Beloit, Wisconsin. Married Max M. Koper, in South Beloit, Illinois on December 30, 1939. Member of St. James Catholic Church; Member and Past President of St. James Altar and Rosary Society; Member of the Women of the Moose – College of Regents; Member of American Legion Auxiliary. She attended Beloit area Schools. Survivors include, two sons, Daniel R. Koper, Whapeton, ND; Gregory A. (LaDonna) Koper, Belvidere; four grandchildren, Jennifer Koper, St. Paul, MN; Gabriella (Nathan) Payne, Howard Lake, MN; Zachary Koper, Fargo, ND; Brian (Rachel) Koper, Belvidere; Three great-grandchildren, Riley, Jadon, and Natalie; a sister, Ethel Fitzsimmons, Beloit, Wisconsin; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Husband, Son, Roger; infant daughter, Patricia; three sisters, Daisy Belle Stewart, Minerva Rasmussen, Audrey Perkins; a brother, William Dhom. The family wishes to thank the Doctors and Nurses of O.S. F. St. Anthony Medical Center, Debbie Spoden, Dennis and Quennie Whalen and Jan Blietz for their care of Katherine.

Memorials may be made to the Belvidere Fire Department.