Kathleen Cecile Stowick (Buchheit), 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, at Northwest Community Healthcare in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Kathy was born on January 30th, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Joseph and Kathryn Nash. Her life was defined by an unwavering commitment to learning, teaching, and caring for others. A woman of exceptional intelligence and compassion, she built a distinguished career in nursing education that shaped countless students and helped strengthen the future of the nursing profession.

Kathy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. She began her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, before returning to Chicago to serve at Wesley Memorial Hospital. Her dedication to advancing her knowledge led her to earn a master’s degree in Mental Health Nursing from Wichita State University and later a Doctorate in Education from the University of South Dakota.

Her passion for teaching brought her to Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and ultimately to Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Over 25 years at Morningside, Kathy influenced generations of nursing students and rose to become Chair of the Nursing Department. She retired in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, empathy, and leadership.

Above all else, Kathy’s greatest joy was her family. She married Robert Buchheit, with whom she shared 32 years of marriage until his passing in 2002. Together, they raised three children: David, Paul, and Julie. In 2005, Kathy married Paul John Stowick, and they were blessed with 21 years of marriage until her death.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert Buchheit; her sister, and Julie Stowick. 

She is survived by her husband, Paul John Stowick; her son David and his wife Lindsey, and their children Parker and Kendal of Sioux City, Iowa; her son Paul and his wife Allison, and their children Hayden, Noah, Heidi, and Nash of Media, Pennsylvania; and her daughter Julie Buchheit and her children Shane and Julia of Mount Prospect, Illinois.

Rooted deeply in her Catholic faith, Kathy lived a life marked by love, service, and a genuine desire to help others. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, wisdom, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Visitation Friday, October 30, 2026, 9:00 am at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave. (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road) followed by a Life Celebration Service at 11:30 am.

Cremation and Inurnment Private

In lieu of flowers donations to Susan G Komen would be greatly appreciated.

Share a story, send a condolence or send a picture to funerals.pro or for further assistance please call 847-537-6600