Catherine Mary Fehringer Zach was born at home on the family farm in Peetz, Colorado to John and Clara (Wemhoff) Fehringer. She was the middle of 13 children and Catherine’s large family nicknamed her Kate. The roots of her immediate and extended family ran deep with love and affection for one another.

"Kate" was the Valedictorian of the 1946 graduating class at St. Anthony High School in Sterling, Colorado. Kate married Joe (Joseph) Zach in June of 1948 in Peetz. They were married nearly 59 years and raised their five children together. Catherine worked as a medical secretary in Sterling and at the front office at Sacred Heart Academy in Salem. She retired from the office of Trachsel Buick. She volunteered at Hazel Green and Yoshikai Elementary Schools helping young students grow their reading skills.

Catherine made many friends via Amite Club, Marion County Extension Service and St. Vincent de Paul Altar Society. She loved camping with the grandkids, picnics at Silver Falls, as well as long walks on the beach and on the sand dunes at Pacific City. She could be a shrewd pinochle player. Her eyes twinkled when she smiled. Like her sisters, $he never let anyone leave her house hungry or empty handed. She was a. talented baker and cook and, most importantly, Catherine was a devoted wife and mother. Catherine died on 8/28/26 in Mt. Angel.

Catherine is survived by her children: Lee (Cathy) Zach, Marilyn Zach (Foster Kimble), Judy (Jon) Hathaway, Vicki (Kevin) Zielinski, her 12 grandchildren: Teressa Hewitt, Travis Zach, Amy Harris, Melissa Andal, Jill Jacopi, Jeff Keniston, Scott Keniston, Nichole Maloney; Tyler Maloney, Tristan Zielinski, Dane Zielinski, Reid Zielinski, 15 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, her sister, Sister Clara Fehringer OSU and her brother John (Jack) Fehringer and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Joe, her son, Ron, and her sisters, Sister Esther Fehringer OSU, MaryAnn Hungerford, Dorothy Treinen, Philomae Smith, Margaret Huss and her brothers Jerry, Louis, Irwin, George and Clem Fehringer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 11:00, recitation of the rosary will begin at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions To St. Vincent de Paul Society.