Katherine Whitmore, 63, of Burlington, died Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington with family by her side after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson's disease.
Born November 2, 1962, in Burlington, she was the daughter of John and Phyllis Beckman Brueck. On September 8, 1984, she married Steve Whitmore.
Kathy grew up in Burlington and attended Burlington Notre Dame. She had an illustrious softball career, starting with the Nikes in 1977 and becoming one of the most dominant pitchers in Iowa High School Softball history. She compiled a career win-loss record of 197 wins and 33 losses, tossing 4 perfect games, 22 shutouts and 1,083 strikeouts. She was a five-time all-state selection and inducted to both the Burlington Notre Dame Hall of Fame and the Iowa High School Girls Softball Hall of Fame. In 1981, she was the first All Stater in Notre Dame Girl's history to earn 1st team honors, even while pitching 14 games in a walking cast due to a broken ankle. After a stint on the Western Illinois Softball team, she returned home to marry her high school sweetheart, Steve Whitmore. Steve and Kathy built a truly special life together, creating countless memories over the years.
Kathy had a successful 33-year career at F&M Bank. She started in the bookkeeping department, advanced to loan clerk, and then branch manager, with her final role before retirement as a customer service representative. Her desk was placed near the front entrance of the bank, making her the first person many customers saw when they walked through the door-exactly where she belonged. Kathy loved greeting people, and clients loved being greeted by her. Her top‑notch customer service, kindness, and genuine care left a lasting impression on countless customers.
Kathy was a fun, caring, and incredibly thoughtful person. To say her passion in life was her family is an understatement. From sending cards in the mail saying, “Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you,” to putting on a brave face and rolling around on the floor with her grandkids despite her pain, her love was always present. When her health allowed she never wanted to miss a game-she was her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan and supporter. You could always hear her yelling, “That’s my boy/girl!” or “I’m so proud of you kids.” She also cherished the memories made on family vacations and also found joy in quiet nights at home with her family watching Wheel of Fortune. Her love is felt deeply by her children, who promised her they would continue to spread that same love to their own children.
While the disease fought hard to take everything from her, she persevered and fought every single day. Her generosity, grit, fight, and tenacity will not be forgotten. Her memory and legacy will be carried by all who love her.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Steve Whitmore; children, Travis (Brittany) Whitmore, and Samantha (Jacob) Deen; grandchildren, Isabelle Katherine Whitmore, Henry Whitmore, Jack Whitmore, and Jett Deen; siblings, Julie Barton, Sandi (Mike) Hays, Danny Brueck, Donny (Penny) Brueck, Sally Brueck, and Bryan (Lisa) Brueck; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her sister, Vicki Brueck-Barton; and her parents.
Family will receive friends from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, concluding with a sharing of memories at 6:00 PM, on Tuesday, May 5, at St. John Catholic Church (700 Division St, Burlington).
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Kathy will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 6 at St. John Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the St. John's Cafeteria following the burial.
A memorial has been established and funds may be written to her family.
Please continue to keep Kathy's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.