Catherine K. Japs, age 79, of Bryan, Ohio and formerly a longtime resident of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Hillside Country Living, Bryan. Catherine was born on December 28, 1945, in Duluth, Minnesota, daughter of the late Edward F. and Frances A. (Furjel) Jedlicka. She was a 1963 graduate of Meadowlands High School. On June 21, 1969, Catherine married Gerald L. Japs, and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage until Gerald's passing on June 13, 2017. Catherine worked in the business office at St. Lukes Hospital, Duluth, Minnesota for 21 years, until her retirement in 2011. In her free time, Catherine enjoyed watching birds, completing Sudoku and Word Search puzzles, and playing Solitaire. Above all, she cherished spending time at home with her family.

Surviving are two daughters, Jennifer (Matthew) Daggett of Bryan, Ohio, and Yvonne West of Hibbing, Minnesota; granddaughter, Jolene VanAnda; four siblings, Fran Fields, Nancy Wilminko, Berni Huttnen, and Tony Jedlicka. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerland Japs; son, Jeffrey Japs; brother, Edward Jedlicka.

To honor Catherine's wishes she will be cremated and there will be no visitation or services. Inurnment will take place in her home state of Minnesota. Arrangements are in care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, Bryan.

The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Williams County Humane Society, 9464 County Road 13, Bryan, Ohio 43506.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared with the family at www.oberlinturnbull.com