Kathleen Ann "Kathie" Essenpreis

Kathleen Ann "Kathie" Essenpreis (née Lovellette), known to many loved ones as "KK," of Highland, Illinois, passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on February 21, 1947, Kathie was a fighter who lived with determination, always striving to do right by herself, her family, and those she served.

Kathie was raised in St. Louis, the daughter of the late Lee and Helen (née Dilg) Lovellette. She was the beloved wife of Richard "Rich" Essenpreis, and she loved nothing more than taking a nice drive with Rich, finding new restaurants, or visiting family in St. Louis and Florida. Her friendships lasted a lifetime, from childhood friends to the many coworkers she met over her career. Kathie was proud of her Norwegian heritage and spent many hours researching her family's ancestry. She built a nearly 40-year career in federal government service, which she approached with pride and steadfast commitment. As proud as she was of that work, her greatest joy was her family.

Her selflessness showed most clearly when she donated a kidney to her brother Michael, giving him many more precious years with the people who loved him. She cherished time with family and close friends, always planning a get-together and cooking the best dishes. A true sports enthusiast, she could often be found cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, watching intense tennis matches, traveling with her bowling team, and winning many trophies in the men's drag car races. If there was a good sale to be found, Kathie would find it.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Essenpreis; her daughters, Sherrie Shanahan and Sarah (Chad) Kay; and her stepdaughters, Patti (Kevin) Wilhoit and Christi Rosario. She was the proud grandmother of Milo Rabbitt, Erik (fiancée Madelyn) Rabbitt, Camden Kay, Kory Wilhoit, Kelli Wilhoit, Riley Rosario, and Christopher Rosario. She also leaves behind her devoted siblings, Nancy Muller, Janet (Mike) Ligibel, and James (Jaemi) Lovellette; her sisters-in-law, Susan Lovellette and Marilyn Fickbohm; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Patricia Peters, John (Cathy) Lovellette, Mary (Leon) Miller, and Michael Lovellette; her mother-in-law, Marian (née Schmidt) Essenpreis; and her sister-in-law, Jean Young

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Visitation: Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Funeral Service: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, at a later date.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL