Catherine Ann Chihak

Catherine Ann Chihak, age 82, of Elma, IA, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Colonial Manor of Elma with her husband William by her side. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes with Rev. Telesphore Dusabe celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, before the Memorial Mass at the church in Lourdes.

Catherine was born on September 2, 1943, to Joseph and Margaret (Pint) McGrane of Riceville, IA.  She loved music, reading, gardening, and the occasional stray cat that would show up.  But the defining characteristics of her life were hard work, caring for others, and a strong faith.  Growing up in rural Iowa, she developed an unbelievable work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life, whether it was working in St. Paul, Minnesota, soon after graduating from high school, on the family farm for many years thereafter, or at the Colonial Manor. 

 She, in turn, instilled that same ethic in her sons that helped them tremendously later on in their individual careers.  No job was too big or too small, and she always strived to make sure that it was done to the highest quality.  Maybe the only task she didn’t love was cooking, which may have been colored by the fact that she had to do it daily for a small army of boys.  

But she devoted her life to helping them and caring for them throughout the many ups and downs that families sometimes face.  She did the same for her husband, her parents, her extended family, her friends, and her impact was felt far beyond the confines of her small community.  Catherine always asked herself if she was doing enough.  From those who knew and loved her, the answer is an emphatic yes.  We will all miss her love and support, but know that she is now at peace.  

Catherine is survived by her husband William Chihak of Elma IA, three sons, Kevin Chihak of Scottsdale, AZ, Steve (Melanie) of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Mike of Norwalk, IA; five grandchildren, Christian, Kaitlyn, Natalie, Declan and Callan; three brothers, Jim, Dan and Tom McGrane; one sister Mary (Steve) Weiland, and her sister-in-law’s Betty, Barb, Tipp and Wilma. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Ken Chihak, and her brothers Joe and John McGrane; sister-in-law, Cynthia McGrane.