Katherine Huse

Katherine Huse, age 94, of Valparaiso, passed away at 6:45 AM on the 10th day of June at Clare Bridge in Valparaiso. She was born prematurely and weighed just over 2 pounds. Upon discharge from Methodist Hospital in Gary, the healthcare staff warned Katherine's mother that her newborn daughter probably wouldn't make it home alive. Nevertheless, she survived for over nine decades and went on to live a full life. Her father had died at 27 years of age from typhoid fever and left a widow with three children, thus precluding an easy path to a college education. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1934 and from that time on, excepting a short stint at the Anderson Company during WWII, she worked in financial institutions until her retirement in 1981. She was remembered as a hard worker and her efforts culminated in her attaining the position of CEO of Hobart Federal Savings and Loan since taken over by Main Source. At the time of her promotion she was one of only 6 women in the United States holding that position. Mrs. Huse was known for her honesty, diligence and hard work. Her education was chiefly self administered via voracious reading and attending various seminars held throughout the country. She'd worked in various capacities in federal savings and loan institutions for over 50 years and witnessed tremendous changes during her career. In addition to her professional activities, she was active in various organizations in her community before and after retirement: most notably serving as president of the Methodists Hospitals Auxiliary, 1st vice president Board of Managers of the Hobart Family YMCA, and on the board of directors for Hobart Federal Savings and Loan later as director emeritus. Katherine enjoyed gardening, knitting, needle point, crewel embroidery, and cooking and baking for her family. She and her husband of 73 years were founding members of 43rd Avenue Presbyterian Church and both were sponsors of youth groups within that church. Retirement afforded the time to travel extensively throughout all 50 of the states and much of Europe. Katherine was preceded in death by her father and mother Stuart and Louise Yuill, her spouse James M. Huse, brother Conrad Yuill, sister Marie Harry Garwood. She is survived by her son Robert J. Huse and his wife Linda M. Huse, as well as grandchildren, Shannon Jose Limon, Charlotte John Ontto, Joshua Nicole Hrapek, Elizabeth Hrapek, Joseph Hrapek, Rachel Michael Perry and six great-grandchildren. In fulfillment of her request, funeral services will be private. Geisen Funeral Home in Crown Point will handle the arrangements. Interment of remains at Chapel Lawn will follow. In sum, Katherine Huse led a full life, freely giving more than she received. She will be missed deeply. Heaven? She's a shoe-in. To share a memory or send a condolence to the family, please visit the guestbook section at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com.