Kathleen Ellen Redder, 67, passed away in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sunday, December 7, 2025 surrounded by her family. Family was at the center of Kathy’s life and she leaves behind a legacy of love.

Kathy was born on October 24th, 1958 in Garden City, Michigan and grew up in a large Irish Catholic family in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. After attending Our Lady of Grace Church/School, Bishop Borgess High School and Henry Ford Community College, Kathy graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Advertising/Marketing in 1981.

She deeply valued education, independence, and her career. Her most significant professional roles included Biomedical Communications at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center and Global Communications at Steelcase Inc. She took great pride in being a loyal, hardworking, and accomplished employee.

Kathy raised her four children in Comstock Park and Rockford, Michigan, where she balanced home life with her career while offering unwavering support to her family. She loved cheering on her children in figure skating, golf, and baseball. She remained a devoted fan of these sports as well as tennis throughout her life.

In 2011, Kathy moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to be closer to family. There, she formed close bonds and treasured the time she spent with her three granddaughters, never missing an opportunity to surprise them with lunch or thoughtful gifts. Kathy was relentlessly proud of her immediate and extended family and spoke of them often.

Throughout her life, Kathy had a great appreciation for art and music. She was an exceptionally talented artist and enjoyed sketching and painting in her free time. Some of her fondest memories include her children’s weddings, work trips to Europe, sister vacations and family vacations to Vistana in Orlando, Florida.

Kathy had an independent spirit and was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She was known for her resilience throughout her life and showed those around her what it looked like to be a fighter and courageously overcome hardship.

Kathy will be remembered for her authenticity, inner strength, generous heart, sharp mind, and the way she nurtured those around her with both creativity and love. She was the glue that held her family together.

Kathy is survived by her four children Kendra E. (Kenneth) Sinak, Daniel E. Redder, Timothy L. (Marisa) Redder and Lukas T. Redder. She was also the proud grandmother of three cherished granddaughters: Eden, Mae and Grace Sinak. She has six brothers and sisters: Jack Gergel, William Gergel, Mark Gergel, Patricia Abbotts, Linda Jakacki and Timothy Gergel. Kathy was also blessed with several lifelong friendships including Peggy Hiltz Mazur and sister-in-law, Lori Redder Schultz. Kathy was preceded in death are her parents, John L. & Kathleen F. Gergel and longtime husband, Kent E. Redder.

A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be 3 pm, Sunday, December 14, 2025 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street, with calling from 1 pm until the service.

May God welcome her into His Kingdom and may she rest in eternal peace.