Kathryn "Kate" Hurd

Kathryn “Kate” I. (DeWalt) Hurd, 89, of Pekin, formerly of Henry, passed away peacefully on November 6.

Kate was born on October 30, 1937, in Sparland, Illinois, to Anthony and Gladys (Wertz) DeWalt. She attended Henry-Senachwine schools and later proudly earned her GED in 1996.

On February 19, 1956, Kate married Robert E. Hurd. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and treasured memories. Kate was also a co-owner of Bob’s Electric and the Lighthouse in Henry, where she was part of the local community she knew and loved.

A lifelong member of Henry United Methodist Church, Kate devoted much of her time and energy to serving others. She was a Girl Scout leader with the Kickapoo Council, a member of American Legion Auxiliary #323 and the Marshall-Putnam Home Extension, secretary of the Henry United Methodist Church Board, and an active participant in the Henry Red Stocking Program. Through these organizations and her church, Kate shared her time and talents with her community and helped make a difference in the lives of others.

Family was an important part of Kate’s life. She is survived by her three children, Michele (Mike) Neuhalfen, Cindy (Jim) Donoghue, and Kathy (Dave) Facker-Copenbarger; foreign exchange student daughter Kirsti Miettinen; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers, Tom (Vi Verbout) and Gary (LaNora) DeWalt.

Kate was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Merlin, Warren “Jake,” Kenneth, and Jack; and her sisters, Mary, Phyllis, Nancy, and Bonnie; sister-in-law Aggie DeWalt; son-in-law Dave Facker and Grandson Rob Facker.

Kate will be remembered for the life she built, the family she loved, her dedication to her church, and her many years of service to the Henry community. Her legacy lives on through the generations of family she leaves behind and the many lives touched by her involvement and caring spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation is Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5-7pm at Calvert & Johnson downtown chapel in Henry. Funeral services are Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11 AM, at the Henry United Methodist Church in Henry, with visitation at church from 10-11AM. Interment will be in Henry Cemetery, Henry.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kate’s honor to either of the following:
Henry Red Stocking Program; P.O. Box 84, Henry, IL 61537, or to Henry United Methodist Church (HUMC) 225 Lincoln Street Henry, IL 61537.

Online memories and condolences may be sent to her family at www.calvertmemorial.com.