Katherine Louise (Fowler) Slagal

Katherine Louise “Kathy” Slagal, age 61 of South Bend, formerly of Atoka, Tennessee passed away after an extended illness. She was born in South Bend, Indiana, and was the youngest daughter of Clair R. and Lillian V. (Davis) Fowler.  On February 14, 2000, she married Charles “Chuck” Slagal in Mishawaka.  Chuck preceded her in death in 2019.

Surviving are her three children: Jacob Adam (Jennifer Sue) Parcell, William Joseph Santa III, and Rachel Ann (Kevin) Rayl.  Surviving as well are her grandchildren Claire, Conner and Charlotte Rayl and Ella and Zoey Santa.  Her siblings Gordon “Ed” (Diane) Ball and Andrea Hecklinski survive along with her brother-in-law Paul Sindlinger and a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Clair in 1973 and Lillian in 1993, her brothers Adam Grey Fowler in 1990, George “Willie” Smitley in 2008, her sisters, Pauline Fellhauer in 1971 and Josephine “Josie” Sindlinger in 2013 and her brother-in-law David Hecklinski in 2020.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held from 4-8 pm on Saturday, August 22, 2021, at the VFW Post 360, 1307 E. Jefferson Boulevard, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545. Cruz Family Funeral Home is assisting with the details.  Full details will be listed on our website once the information is finalized.

Kathy was a military wife and was able to see a good portion of the world while living in Guam before she and Chuck retired to Tennessee. Kathy recently returned home to South Bend to be with her family and most of all, with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered as the “Neighborhood Mom” and always answered to the title of “Mom” proudly, regardless of who it was that called her by that name. She will be remembered as a proud and loving parent who wanted the last words she said to be “I love you.”

Always extremely social, Kathy still remained close with several friends from high school, and she loved to reminisce with them through Facebook.  In her spare time, she enjoyed watching television, especially Judge Judy or any paranormal show she could find.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Center for Hospice Care, 500 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  To leave a message of comfort for Kathy’s family, light a virtual candle in her memory, or share a story of her life, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.