Obituary for Catherine Witalka

Catherine Anne Witalka, age 53, was born in Brooklyn Center MN on September 17, 1967 and died on September 15, 2021 in Minneapolis. Cathy was the daughter of the late Jerome Witalka and Anne Witalka (formerly Krogulski).

Cathy is survived by her devoted and loving husband of the past 19 years (and partner in crime for 21 years), Christopher Riedel (originally from Cleveland).

Cathy grew up in Brooklyn Center with her three brothers, Rich (Pam), Jim (Patricia), and Pete (Charlee).

After high school Cathy moved to Madison and attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in French and English Literature.

Upon Cathy's departure from Madison, she moved to Minneapolis for three years, then onto San Francisco for three years by the Bay. In 1996 Cathy moved to the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago for 12 years where she and Chris met on February 26, 2000, and they instantly fell into mad, googly-eyed love, They were married in Chicago on May 25, 2002. In April 2008 Cathy and Chris moved to Minneapolis.

A celebration of Cathy's life is being planned and will occur on a yet to be determined date.

All and any gifts made in memory of Cathy's life will be sincerely appreciated. Among the causes and organizations close to Cathy and Chris's hearts are: Second Harvest Heartland of /Minnesota, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Humane Society of Golden Valley, the Human Fund, and Providence House in Cleveland.