Kathleen G. Pongratz

Born on a farm in Kearney, Nebraska, on December 10, 1926, to George and Eva Hogle, Kathy was the eldest of five children. She became a world traveler after marrying her beloved husband, Anthony Pongratz, accompanying him during his military career in Japan, Italy, Germany, and four states with their children in tow. The most patient of mothers, Kathy was resourceful, baking bread, making pasta, and even sewing one daughter’s wedding dress. Her great passion was art, which she majored in while a student at the University of Nebraska before her marriage, and pursued intently after raising five children.

Kathleen outlived her husband of 65 years and her sister, Nina Knox of Quincy, California. She is survived by her sister Yvonne Konkler of Everett, Washington; sister, Lois Brinton of Lincoln, Nebraska; and brother, Stanley Hogle of Ashland, Nebraska. In addition, those sharing a constellation of memories include her five children: Michele Donithan of Baltimore, Maryland; George (Susan) of Newport News, Virginia; Pat Belt (George) of Forest Hill, Maryland; Tom (Donna) of Spring Hill, Tennessee; and John of Hampton, Virginia. Others who loved her and were loved by her include eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

With grateful hearts, the family thanks the staffs of Hospice Community Care and Elite Eldercare, who helped them learn the intricacies of advocating for those making a long goodbye.

Burial will be private at Albert G. Horton Jr Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.