Katharine "Kathy" Mary Lockwitz

November 10, 1946 ~ July 4, 2025 (age 78)

Katharine (Kathy) Mary (Lakner) Lockwitz, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday July 4, 2025, at the Center for Hospice-Raclin House in Mishawaka, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on November 10, 1946, in South Bend, Kathy was the daughter of the late Matthew and Mary (Horvath) Lakner. Kathy grew up in Lakeville, IN before the family moved to the south side of South Bend where Kathy graduated from Riley High School in 1965.

On November 18, 1967, she married the love of her life John A. Lockwitz III. Together they built a life full of love, laughter and resilience, sharing 57 years of marriage. They had two daughters, Lisa and Jennifer, who were always the apple of her eye.

Kathy drove a school bus for the South Bend Community School Corporation for over ten years and was very proud to be a bus driver. Kathy was a familiar and friendly face to countless children and their families over her career. Driving her daily routes wasn’t just a job, she truly cared about every child she encountered while driving.

Kathy had a gentle spirit and quiet strength. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Katharine is survived by her husband, John, her daughters; Lisa (Pete) Hartz and Jennifer (Dave Groves) Lockwitz as well as her cherished grandchildren; Chris (Katie) Lockwitz, Kaitlyn Conner, Cameron Conner, and Marissa Davis and her great grandchildren; Cohen and Joey. Kathy also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Joseph and Frank Lakner.

Katherine’s life will be celebrated by the family in a private ceremony.

She will be interred at Highland Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is honored to be caring for the family at this time.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

07/11/2025 DEC

https://www.palmerfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Katharine-Lockwitz