Cathy Lynn (Andersen) Van Winkle
April 15, 1951 – August 29, 2023
Cathy was born in Iowa Falls, IA to Grant and Kate Andersen, and grew up near Popejoy, IA on a 1,000 acre farm. She graduated from Alden Iowa High School in 1969 with Honors, multiple state and national academic and athletic awards, including lettering for 4 years in basketball, track and softball.
She attended college on scholarship at Midwest College in Denison, IA, for one year andthen 3 years at Iowa State University, earning degrees in Mathematics and Physics, where she was on the dean’s list all quarters (except for the quarter she met Chuck) and graduated with distinction in 1973. She played athletics throughout college and was a member of the ISU Softball Team where she excelled and played in the first ever Women’s College World Series held in Omaha in 1971.
After college Chuck and Cathy married September 2, 1973, and moved to Chicago for their first jobs. She worked as an Accountant and their first child was born (Chaz). In 1979 they moved to Omaha where their second child (Cara) was born and raised their family. Cathy taught math at Millard South High School for 25 years, retiring in 2007. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School at her church. Because of her distinctive teaching style and last name, we consistently run into her past students wishing her well and appreciative of her mentorship. In 2010, Cathy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to which she succumbed with her husband by her side.
Cathy valued family and was dedicated to their well being, from raising her children to participating in holiday celebrations with her 10 siblings (and their families) making for epic Christmas gatherings. She is survived by her husband, Chuck; son, Chaz (Becky); daughter, Cara (Mike); granddaughter, Rian; grandsons: Charlie, Colton, Drew, and Ryder; sisters: Judy (Gabb) Andersen, Bev Ford, Gloria (Tom) Zimmerman, Darla Andersen; brother, Dale (Kathy) Andersen; step-brothers, Kelly and Marshall Christensen. She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Ray Christensen; brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Anita Andersen; brother, John (Diane) Andersen; step-brother, Jeff Christensen. We rejoice that she now rests with Jesus. Clothed in Christ’s righteousness in baptism and redeemed by his saving death. Cathy remained steadfast in the confidence of His resurrection and the peace which only Jesus can give. May His peace and presence comfort us in Cathy’s absence.
Visitation is Friday, September 1, 2023 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7706 S 96th St, La Vista, NE. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 2nd at 11:00 a.m., at Beautiful Savior. Luncheon immediately follows.
Cathy’s grandson, Drew Sillman (Cara), suffers from Batten Disease, a very rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. In lieu of flowers , memorials can be directed to either Batten Disease Research (Childhood dementia) at: Batten 4 Drew at https://www.facebook.com/batten4drew/ or, Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
15 Comments
I am so sorry and I will see all of you on Saturday. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love Mike Andersen
Chuck and family: I am so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
To Chuck, all of Cathy’s family, and to all who loved her ~ I’m so thankful I was able to get to know Cathy personally when I moved to Omaha in 2011. She was a joy to visit with, a quick wit, and delightful sense of humor. No doubt she entered Heaven’s gates to trumpet sounds and a ‘well done, good and faithful servant!’ May God cover you with His peace that passes all understanding, and bring you comfort in the days ahead. My love, prayers, and sympathies ~ Jo
to everyone who loved Cathy, sending heartfelt condolences from Cathy’s Texas cousin. Although its been a long time since I saw Cathy, I have warm memories of her and always thought of her as an amazing woman who could do anything. Keeping her and her family in my thoughts and prayers and sending love to all. Patty and Aunt Ellie (Elida- Glen’s wife)
Chuck, I will be out of state for the funeral. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. It is so great to know of Cathy’s devotion to Christ and assurance of Christ’s eternal peace and rest..What a wonderful person!!
Kathy… so sorry for your loss. Sending sympathy hugs and God’s comfort to the entire family
On behalf of the Ellsworth College Foundation, we extend our deepest condolences to Gloria and her family on the loss of their loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I would like to pass along my condolences to the family of Cathy Andersen..
She was an outstanding teacher while I was at Millard South . I will always have warm memories of Cathy..
Stan Hale, Vice Principal Millard South (retired)
I remember watching Cathy play basketball and softball. She was wonderful to watch. I also had her wonderful sister Darla as a classmate in kindergarten. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing and may God hold you all tightly in his arms. RIP CATHY.
Cathy was a very driven, confident and master classroom teacher. Although we taught in different departments, students regularly shared that while her expectations were high, her teaching style and on-task insistence on hard work caused her students to master the task at hand. She cared for them and helped them achieve what perhaps they had not thought was possible. My condolences to her family
Our Thoughts & Prayers go out to the entire family.
As a neighbor we have such fond memories being with her. She was akways so kind & sharing. Always greeted us with that friendly smile.
May she rest in peace.
Cara & family-
Your mom was a tremendous educator and a joy to have for a teacher. I was so blessed to know her and I most certainly know you made her very proud, God bless you all and lifting you up in my prayers 🙏🏻🤍
Condolences to Cathy’s family. Thinking of you.
I’m so sorry Chuck and family to hear of cousin Cathy’s passing. It was so much fun growing up with her. She achieved much in her life and I wish I could have been around her more. My heartfelt condolences to all.
Julie Andersen Brown
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. We know heaven has gained a beautiful soul, and we will always be thinking and praying for your family. We plan to donate to Batten 4 Drew, and we pray that this money will help your precious son and Cathy’s legacy. May God’s peace be with you all during this difficult time. Love, The Sorenson Family
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