Katherine Ann Trankle

Katherine Ann Trankle, 66, of Belleville, Illinois, died May 2, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born August 29, 1959, in Red Bud, Illinois.

She is survived by her children, Evelyne Thomas and Darrell Trankle; grandchildren Christopher Thomas and Ethan Navarro; brother Joseph (Kathy) Trankle; sister Barbra Baker; nieces Krystal (Eric) Maurer and Kari Trankle; and great-nephews Ben, Kyler, Easton, and Drake.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence J. and Lois A. (nee Schorr) Trankle; brother Kurtis Trankle; and brother-in-law Robert Hart Baker.

Katherine loved animals and, throughout her life, shared her home with cats, dogs, birds, fish, a hamster, and even a turtle. At Southwestern Illinois College, some called her the “goose whisperer” because she could hand-feed goslings while the protective adults chased nearly everyone else away. Animals trusted her.

She noticed beauty where others might have overlooked it. Hanging in her home was a chalkboard with a handwritten quote: “One cannot pluck a flower without troubling a star.” It reflected the way she understood life itself — that every living thing mattered and that even small acts carry meaning.

Her home was filled with books stacked on shelves and lining the walls, evidence of a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. She was an avid reader with eclectic interests and a deep appreciation for art, gardening, nature, and ideas. She wrote often, and poetry filled her notebooks. A pillow on her couch read, “When you have books, you are never alone,” a sentiment that suited her perfectly.

She prayed often and carried her faith quietly but sincerely. During her illness this past year, she deeply appreciated the kindness and compassion shown to her by the nurses and doctors at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. The chaplains, including Lawrence and Brian, gave her and her family great comfort. Though her illness was unexpected, her family treasures the time they were able to share with her during her final months.

The Stellhorn family also held a special place in her heart and were like family to her, especially Chris and Jeremy.

Her absence leaves a silence that cannot truly be filled, but the moments she gave to the world remain in countless small ways — in gardens, in books, in rescued animals, in memories, and in the people whose lives were quietly changed.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Helping Strays
or to the family, in Katherine’s memory

Graveside Service:
11 AM Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Waterloo City Cemetery in Waterloo, IL
      Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating