Katherine "Kate" E. Whetstone

Mrs. Katherine E. “Kate” Whetstone, 39, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Chicago on April 25, 2026.

Kate was born August 20, 1986, in Flemington, New Jersey, the daughter of Dana and Mary (Behnken) Durham. From an early age, Kate possessed a curious mind, a compassionate heart, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

She graduated from Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island in 2004 and continued her education at the University of Rhode Island, earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. Kate dedicated her professional life to work that reflected her values and passions. Her career included a variety of positions that allowed her to advocate for environmental stewardship, support animal welfare, and assist others in meaningful ways.

Kate married Ben Whetstone on July 23, 2016. From that union they had two daughters, Delaney Grace and Joanna Jade Whetstone. Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters; her ex-husband Ben Whetstone of Tremont, IL; her mother, Mary Durham of Chicago; her father, Dana (Kathy) Durham of Hilton Head Island, SC; her sister, Elizabeth (Andy) Leming and their daughter, Zella all of Edina, Minnesota; her aunt and uncle Nancy and David Erickson and cousin, Adam Ericksonof Altona, Illinois.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel with Pastor Peter Beckman officiating, Cremation has been accorded. The family requests in lieu of flowers. memorials may be made in Kate’s name to Wildlife Prairie Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com

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