Catherine (Schroeder) Putz

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Putz, Catherine Schroeder Catherine Philomena Schroeder Putz, passed peacefully from this world to the next on Oct. 4, 2017. She had battled ovarian cancer for over five years w/chemotherapy, medicines, and prayer. Cathy was born in Minneapolis, MN, on April 23, 1937; her parents, now deceased, were William Frederick Schroeder, Chemical engineer, and Leona McDermott Schroeder, teacher. Her primary home was in Excelsior, MN, overlooking Lake Minnetonka. Although an only child, she grew up w/Sister Zippy Machtemes, OSB, and Margaret Mae Hoben, both living in St. Cloud, MN area. Catherine married Ronald E. Putz, at St. John's Baptist Catholic church in Excelsior, MN., on Dec 27, 1956. They celebrated the union w/college friends from St. John's University (Collegeville, MN), St. Catherine's college (St. Paul) and the University of MN. School of Pharmacy. She loved to tell the story of how they met: They had both decided off hand to attend the annual football game between St. Thomas and St. John's University, 80 miles away. Ron drove down w/three SJU buddies and she walked to the game in St.Paul from St. Catherine's w/three of her friends. She happened to sit down near Ron/buddies, began visiting, and was impressed by Ron who was even more impressed by her wit, beauty, and charm. After the game, they met at the informal dance at St. Thomas gym, then he drove them back to St. Kates. In front of the dorm hall, Ron asked her to SJU homecoming, she accepted, and after that it was history. After attending St. Catherine's for two years, (chem. major) she was accepted into the U. of MN. School of Pharmacy, where she graduated in l962. Cathy joined Ron in California w/the NIKE air defense command, US Army for nearly two years, living an idyllic life in Hermosa Beach and San Pedro, where their first son, Christopher was born. Her primacy residence for the last 40 plus years was in Columbia, MD., where she continued work a clinical pharmacist at Howard Community Hospital, Kernan Hospital, St. Agnes hospital and the University of MD hospital and shock trauma center. She later joined the MD Board of Pharmacy as the compliance officer, whereby she received a commendation and the signing pen by Governor Schaefer, for her work in House Bill 346, now Ch. 554 of the Acts of the General Assembly of MD. 1994. Catherine was the mother of five children, Christopher, Madonna Vitarello/Dr. John Vitarello, Shawn, Kevin, and Brendan/wife Beth. All live in N VA or MD, except for Brendan/Beth in Raleigh, NC. She is the proud grandmother of Bianca, Johnny, Gabriella Vitarello, William and Alex Putz, Curran Putz, Ella and Jake Putz. After her retirement, she and Ron traveled the world w/over ten cruises and special trips to London, Paris, Ireland, and Australia as well as numerous trips back to S. California to visit old friends. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. Wake: We will receive friends at the Witzke Funeral Home, 5555 Twin Knolls Rd., Columbia, MD, on Friday Oct. 20th from 3-5 PM. Funeral: a memorial mass will be celebrated at 1 PM on Saturday, Oct. 21st at St. John's Evangelist Catholic Church at 10431 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia, MD. A reception will be held after the services in the Church reception room, from approximately 2:15 to 4pm. She will be interred at the Columbia Memorial Park located at 12005 Clarksville Pike, (Rt. 108), Clarksville, MD. 21029, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to St. John's University, Box 7222, Collegeville, MN. 56321, and the Gilchrist Hospice Services, 5537 Twin Knolls Rd., Suite 434, Columbia, MD. 21045. Catherine's life provides a model for family, friends, and professional colleagues.

Published on October 22, 2017