Katherine A. Kerle

Katherine A. “Katie” Hartzell Kerle, age 88, of Knox, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, October 11, 2025 at her home with her husband, John, of 68 years, by her side. She was born on December 3, 1936 in Wentlings Corners to the late Glen and Gladys Hartzell. Katie began her working life at G.C. Murphy’s Five and Ten, Dime and Dollar, and the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Clarion, and went on to serve as the exceptional bookkeeper for Major Brand Tire for the remainder of her career. When she wasn’t in the office, she could be found outdoors—mowing the farm, pulling weeds, and picking up sticks—happy to keep things neat and growing. She also cherished the camaraderie of her Thursday Night Ladies League at Mt. Joy Lanes. On November 4, 1957, Katie married the love of her life, John Kerle. Together, they built a business they poured long hours into and genuinely enjoyed working side by side. Summers were often spent at Black Lake, where they fished and made lifelong memories with wonderful friends. A woman of steadfast faith, Katie was a devoted member of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton, where she belonged to the Ladies Altar Rosary Society for many years. In addition to her parents, Katie was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Kerle, and her sister, Annabelle (Walter) Fye. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Kerle of New Bethlehem; grandchildren, Tanner J. Kerle and his fiancé, Kiley Minnick, of Knox, Jennifer M. Brocious and her husband, Liam, of New Bethlehem, Joel T. Kerle of Knox, and Major Nicole G. Kerle, United States Army, who is currently deployed overseas; one great-grandchild, Ryker Kerle; and her sister, Linda Hartzell of Knox. Katie is also survived by her care team that she loved dearly: Tammy Chambers, Eva Wadding, Gwyneth Wadding, Brooke Peck, Ruth Ann Myers, Kami Coursen, Michelle Reid, Wendy Tharan, Jalynn Felts, Liz Horn, and Barb Hurrelbrink. The family cannot express their gratitude enough for the love and care they gave Katie. The Robert V. Burns Funeral Home in Clarion has the distinct honor of serving the Kerle family. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarion with Rev. Jason Feigh presiding. Entombment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in Katie’s memory may be made to the Clarion Forest VNA Hospice, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion, PA 16214. Katie will be remembered for her faith, her tireless work ethic, her love of the outdoors, and the gentle kindness she extended to family and friends alike. May she rest in God’s eternal peace.

Katherine A. Kerle

December 3, 1936 - October 11, 2025