Kathryn M. Frech

Kathryn Frech, nee Belt, loving mother of Allison (Tim) Greenwell, Bob (Gail) Frech, and Carrie (Cris) Frech, grandmother of 5 and great-grandmother of 5. Kathryn also loved her sister, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kathy, also known to many as Kate, grew up and raised her family in the Chicago suburbs. She spent nearly 20 years in northern Michigan before returning to the Chicago area in 2019. Kathy completed nursing school while raising three children. She embraced nursing as a way of helping others. She was a nurse at Northwest Community Hospital, in Arlington Heights, IL, as well as at Bay Bluffs, in Harbor Springs, MI. 

Kathy found peace in nature, especially at the cottage her grandfather built on the shores of Walloon Lake, Michigan. She loved animals and had a strong bond with her sweet dogs, Lovey, Casper, and Jack. Kathy also found much joy in music–especially playing and singing with friends and family. 

Kathy loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. All of her grandchildren enjoyed one-on-one time with her at Walloon Lake and in Chicago. This past spring, Kathy was fortunate to spend time with all five of her great-grandchildren.

Dinner with Kathy was never complete without dessert. And if you asked her very nicely, no, she would not share. Ice cream was always a favorite treat.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathy’s honor to

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society (https://www.ltbhs.com) or

The Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago (https://www.oldtownschool.org/support/donate)

Another way to remember Kathy would be to enjoy some ice cream or a Manhattan in her honor, and reflect on the good memories you shared with her.