Kathryn Steinwedel Adelhelm, age 79, a resident of Bloomingdale, IL and West Palm Beach, FL, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach, FL, on Thursday, February 16, 2012 into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, after a long battle with polymyositis and the effects of its treatment.

Kathryn Jane Steinwedel was born September 13, 1932 to Clarence and Flora (Burbrink) Steinwedel in Seymour, IN. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Education, and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi (Beta Phi) sorority. Kathryn graduated in 1954 and began teaching in Brownstown, IN. In the summer of 1956, she vacationed in West Palm Beach, FL, where she met the man who would become the love of her life, Paul Karl Adelhelm, Jr. They married on May 16, 1958 and began a beautiful 53 year journey. It was on their honeymoon that Paul got a job with E.J. Brach Candy Co., making Melrose Park, IL their first home. They also resided in Bellwood and Berkley, Il before moving to Mt.Laurel, NJ in April, 1969. In the summer of 1977, Paul's job brought them back to Illinois where they settled in Wheaton. They officially became snowbirds in the winter of 2003 making the annual trek between IL and West Palm Beach, FL.

Kathryn was privileged to stay home and raise her three children before returning to the workforce in 1978. She loved her work as an office administrator for Schultz and Blackmore Architectural Firm and later for the Law Offices of Brown and Watson.

Upon retirement, Kathryn and Paul traveled extensively before the disease prohibited it. They went to Italy, France, Germany, the Ukraine, Mexico and many parts of the continental U.S. One of her favorite state trips was a visit to the Grand Canyon where she testified that she had witnessed God's awesomeness in its beauty. Kathryn also maintained very close ties to her college sorority sisters and enjoyed much anticipated trips every two years. Truly the highlight of her travels was a trip to Maui, HI during the summer of 2008, which saw Kate and Paul celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their three children and their spouses, and all nine of their grandchildren.

Kathryn remained active in St. John Lutheran Church and the JOY Bible group, she loved her involvement with the St. Paul, St. John and Boundbrook bridge groups and was an avid golfer. Kathryn loved the Chicago Cubs and Indiana University basketball and took great pride in cheering on her grandchildren in whatever endeavors they were participating in.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Flora Steinwedel, her in-laws, Paul and Anna Adelhelm, her infant daughter, Barbara Sue, and brother-in-law Robert Pardieck. She is survived by her husband, Paul, of 53 years, her children, Mark (Sharon) Adelhelm of Orlando, FL, Beth (Robert) Campbell of Wheaton, and Nancy (Anthony) Habib of Davis, CA.; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Anthony III, Kimberly, Kristine, Melanie, Daniel, Drew, Bryan and David; her sister, Margaret Pardieck and her brother, Robert (Donna) Steinwedel; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathryn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Her beautiful smile and bright blue eyes will be dearly missed, but the imprint she has left on so many hearts will remain with us until we meet again in Heavenly paradise.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, in their new location at 410 N. Cross Street, in Wheaton with Rev. Scott Bruzek officiating. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St John Lutheran Church, 410 N. Cross Street, Wheaton, IL 60187; or to the charity of your choice.