Cathy Porzel

Cathy Porzel was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. She was devoted to her family and God. At the age of 65, Cathy passed away peacefully Sunday, January 21, 2024 at home in Lake Carroll, in the loving care of her family and FHN Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer since 2011.

Cathy was born July 28, 1958 in Chicago, the daughter of Roland “Bud” and Sally (Janek) Arnold. Cathy is a graduate of the Schaumburg High School with the Class of 1976. This is where she met the love of her life 49 years ago, Dave Porzel. After high school she attended Northern Illinois University. On June 19, 1979, Cathy and Dave were married in Schaumburg. They raised three children, Brett, Rob and Stephanie, and celebrated over 44 years of happy marriage.

Cathy worked as a realtor for several years. In 2007, Cathy and Dave bought property at Lake Carroll and moved there full-time in 2013. She is a member of the Simply Free Church in Lanark, the LC Book Club, Women’s Club and Bible Study Club. She enjoyed golfing, reading, gardening, swimming, cooking, baking and crochet. Most of all she adored her grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with each one, Lilly (16), Landon (11), Isabella (9), Emma (9), Lacey (8), Brooklyn (3), and Laila (3). She was also blessed with two incredible daughters-in-law, Amanda and Kristina who meant the world to her.

Cathy was involved in four Christian Mission trips overseas, Russia, Haiti, Brazil on the Amazon River, and Alaska. She took the opportunity to talk to people about God and her life journey. Cathy used her cancer diagnosis as a positive outlet to help bring others to God.

Cathy leaves behind Dave, an amazing husband, fantastic father, and loving grandfather; her three children, Brett (Amanda) of Hanover Park, Illinois, Rob (Kristina) of Yorkville, Illinois and Stephanie Wisloh of Shannon, Illinois; and seven grandchildren. She is preceded in death by both parents.

It is a blessing to know that she is now in the loving arms of God and will have a peaceful eternity in Heaven. A Celebration of Life service will be held 3pm Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Simply Free Church in Lanark, Illinois with visitation before the service from 12noon – 3pm at the Church. A reception will follow at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers there is a memorial established for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.