Katherine "Kate" J. Friebel

Katherine J. "Kate" Friebel, age 89, resident of Shelby died Monday morning, May 15, 2017 at her home.

Born June 13, 1927 in Shelby to James and Mary (Korbas) Bilka she had been a lifelong Shelby resident.  A 1945 graduate of Shelby High School, she had been employed with Wilkins Air Force Depot retiring in 1959.

She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society. She had also managed the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery for twenty-two years. In 1998, she along with her late husband Robert, received the Distinguished Graduate Award at St. Mary's School. Always one to help others, Kate was a committed volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Shelby Helpline and other organizations. For many years she and her husband traveled to Bethany in Olive Hill, Kentucky with truckloads of donated clothing and household items.  Kate enjoyed crocheting, tatting and baking.

Surviving are two sons, Tony Friebel and Tom (Felicia) Friebel of Shelby; four grandchildren Dalton, Hunter, Grant and Cameron Friebel; two sisters, Helen Thorton of Shelby and Eileen (Ken) Sullivan of Beaver Creek, OH and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. 

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert O. Friebel in 2010, two brothers Steven and Joseph Bilka and one sister Mary Margaret Bilka.

Funeral mass will held at 10:30 AM, Saturday May 20, 2017 from the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Father Rick Friebel will officiate with interment in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 5-8 PM at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory where the Rosary will be recited at 7:45 PM. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's School, and Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

 Service Information