Kathleen A. "Kathy" Pearl, 61, nee Hammar, of West Bend, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004 at her residence.

She was born on Nov. 6, 1943 in Chicago, where she was raised, to William and Nina (nee Horn) Hammar.

Kathy received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University and her master’s degree in education from National Louis University in Illinois.

On July 10, 1965, Kathleen and Gary W. Pearl exchanged their wedding vows to one another in Chicago.

After marriage, they both taught in the Chicago Public School System for more than five years before they resided in the West Bend area.

Kathy taught science at Badger Middle School for 24 dedicated years before she retired in 2000.

For a number of years she was co-chairperson of WELCA and was a past chairperson of ELCA synod board.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Gary, of West Bend; two dear children, Jayson (partner Dan Gibes) Pearl of Shorewood and Julie (Michael) Gilbert of Pewaukee; three furry feline companions, Noah, Picasso, and Maxine; her mother, Nina Hammar of Mundelein, Ill.; a sister, Carole (Bill) Theil of Mun-delein, and her brother, Russel (Jane) Hammar of Park Ridge, Ill.

She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

A memorial service in honor of Kathleen will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1044 S. Silverbrook Drive, West Bend.

Pastor Oscar Kraft will officiate, and cremation will be at Paradise Cremation Services of West Bend.

Visitation at the church will be on Thursday from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at 7:30 p.m.

Memorials are appreciated to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family.