Kathleen

Pongratz

Kathleen Pongratz, 85, of O'Neill, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a parish rosary.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 at the mortuary in O'Neill. Revs. Bernard Starman and Wes Thompson will officiate.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Kathleen was born to Howard and Audrey (Gilster) McConnell on Aug. 31, 1939. She was born at a ranch five miles southwest of O'Neill and lived all of her life in Holt County. Her grandmother Hattie McConnell was the midwife.

She taught school for one and a half years earning her teaching certificate through the normal training program at the age of 16. 

She married Duane Pongratz, son of Joe and Irene Pongratz of Emmett, on Dec. 26, 1959. Kathleen was a stay at home mom until both kids were in school and then held many jobs around O'Neill. 

Her four granddaughters Amanda, Jessi, Rachel and Emily were the light of her life. They spent some of each summer with her, and she loved going to all their school events. 

She was a member of the St. Patrick's Altar Society where she held all of the offices in her younger days.Kathleen was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving more than 40 years.

In her later life she traveled until her health made her quit. She loved to read and crochet and gave many of her afghans away. 

Kathleen is survived by her two children Dewey (Sue) Pongratz and Deb (Dave) Predmore; four granddaughters Amanda (Bo) Sanders, Jessi (Alec) Rockford, Rachel (Levi) Magnuson and Emily Pongratz and fiancé Tate Schmaderer; six great-grandchildren Charli, Bristol, Harper, Ruby, McKenna and Beau; two brothers Jay (Ellen) McConnell and Larry (Bev) McConnell; one sister in law Cheri McConnell; and special cousins Dick (Ann) Pongratz.

She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Audrey McConnell, her husband Duane Pongratz, one brother Pat McConnell, mother- and father-in-law,- Joe and Irene Pongratz and special aunt and uncle Bernard and Vera Pongratz.