A Celebration of Life Service for Kathleen Pongratz, age 85 of O'Neill, Nebraska will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.  Burial will follow at the O'Neill Cemetery.  Revs. Bernard Starman and Wes Thompson will officiate.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Biglin's Mortuary with a Parish Rosary at 7 PM.  Kathleen passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.  Arrangements are under the direction of Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Kathleen was born to Howard and Audrey (Gilster) McConnell on August 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 1 ½ 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 December 26, 1959.  Kathleen was a stay-at-home mom until both kids were in school and then held many jobs around O'Neill.

Her 4 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.

She is survived by her children, Dewey (Sue) Pongratz and Deb (Dave) Predmore; 4 granddaughters, Amanda (Bo) Sanders, Jessi (Alec) Rockford, Rachel (Levi) Magnuson and Emily Pongratz and fiancé Tate Schmaderer; 6 great grandchildren, Charli, Bristol, Harper, Ruby, McKenna, and Beau; 2 brothers, Jay (Ellen) McConnell and Larry (Bev) McConnell; sister-in-law, Cheri McConnell; special cousins, Dick (Ann) Pongratz.

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