Kathleen Welter

Kathleen “Kathy” Welter, 77, Rockford, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in Belvidere. She was born on October 22, 1948, the daughter of Gino and Suzanne (Hughes) Castegnaro. She married Bernard “Lenny” L. Welter on October 25, 1980, in Rockford, and remained married until his passing on February 6, 2008.

Kathy attended Boylan Catholic High School graduating the year of 1966. She went on to receive her associates degree and later worked at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in word processing until her retirement after many years.

Her faith was very important to her as a long-time parishioner of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. She was a member of the Venetian Club, a member of the Phantom Regiment. She was considered a very loyal Cubs and Packers fan, and a big Neil Diamond fan. Her love extended to dogs; there were her world. She was known for her infectious laugh, and her candid and honest opinions.

Overall, she loved to be surrounded by family, especially when her and Lenny hosted family holidays, and enjoyed their cabin in Chetek, Wisconsin for many years.

She is survived by her brother, Mark Castegnaro; her nephews, David (Jessie) Ferrell; her niece, Brandi Ferrell; her great nephews, Lorenzo (Cameron) Ferrell and Dominic (Morgan) Ferrell; and her many loving cousins; she is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 27 years, Lenny; her sister, Eileen (Jim) M. Rose; and her grandparents, Mario and Theresa Castegnaro.

A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on December 29, 2025, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave, Rockford, IL 61103. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.