Noted singer, teacher dead at 83
Though all the world was indeed a stage for Kathryn "Katy" Sadlo Wilson, her heart was at home.
The professional musician, dancer and local business owner, a Dundee and Elgin resident for more than 50 years, died earlier this month. She was 83.
Born in Prague, Okla., Wilson was the only child of musicians George and Ruth Sadlo.
Keeping with the family trade, she attended Oklahoma University, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in music. She studied at the American Conservatory of Music and Northwestern University.
An accomplished concert singer, she appeared with symphony orchestras around the country. With a concert tour in Europe scheduled, she met her future husband, Walter Wilson.
"Frankly, she gave it all up for love," longtime friend Dolores Zimmerman of South Elgin said.
In the Chicago area, she opened a dance studio and worked in theater with a professional actors studio. According to Who's Who of American Women's 1978-80 edition, Wilson performed with the American Opera Company and Blair Musical Stage Productions. She was a member and past president of the Elgin Zonta Club, Business and Professional Women's Club and the Dundee Lioness Club.
She was a current member of the Zonta Club of Northwest Cook County, a 50-year member of American Legion Post 57 Auxiliary, and had been president of the Women's Circle at the First Congregational Church of Dundee.
Zimmerman said that she and Wilson also spent much of their time with their husbands at Cardunal Jaycees events.
"My favorite memory of Kathryn is at a Jaycee masquerade party and two people came in as Santa and an elf," she said.
The Wilsons, who had convincingly disguised themselves through costume techniques that Kathryn had learned, never gave away their identities until prizes were given out.
"They won that prize and that is one of my happiest memories," Zimmerman said.
Wilson was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church of Dundee, 800 S. Eighth St., West Dundee.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Illinois Lions Club Foundation.