Published on April 7, 2026 3:29 pm
Last Updated on April 7, 2026 3:31 pm
Catherine Rentfrow, 72, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery in Montrose. Visitors are encouraged to meet the family at the cemetery for the graveside. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Foundation, 210 W. McKinley Ave, Decatur IL 62526. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Cathy was born on February 11, 1954, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Ralph and Marie (Lewis) Verdeyen. She married Cletus Rentfrow on February 13, 1972 in Lillyville, IL. Cathy worked at Crossroads Cancer Center for nearly 20 years where she helped patients schedule all their many appointments. She loved her grandkids dearly. She was excited to witness her grandson Blake marry the love of his life Gabby in Colorado and then welcome her great-granddaughter, Emma. Cathy was a huge fan of all her grandkids’ sporting teams, and she cheered on the Teutopolis Wooden Shoes and the Monticello Sages. Cathy loved to take her granddaughters shopping and going on golf cart rides. She was always willing to spring for pedicures with her girls! Cathy enjoyed weekly lunch dates and playing word games online with her close friends. The family would like to express their gratitude for Dr. Dy and all the nursing staff at the Cancer Center.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Clete Rentfrow of Effingham; children, Tina Gwizdalski of Lady Lake, FL, Michelle Beery of Monticello, IL, and Kyle Rentfrow (Elizabeth) of Effingham, IL; grandchildren, Blake Gwizdalski (Gabby), Sophia Beery, Isabella Beery, and Kylee Rentfrow; great grandchild, Emma Gwizdalski; and brother, Tom Verdeyen (Connie) of San Diego, CA.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Marie Verdeyen.