Catherine E. Lampe

Catherine E. Lampe died peacefully in her sleep on April 16, 2024 at the age of 89.  She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, and an attentive aunt to many nieces and nephews.  The foundation of her life was her Roman Catholic faith and her hope in the promise of salvation. 

Catherine was born in Iowa City, Iowa on May 4, 1934, to Charles B. and Mary Agnes Nutting.  She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1956 with a degree in Classics.  She met her future husband, Elmer L. Lampe, Jr., in a Greek class at the University, which is notable because her parents also met in Greek class at the University of Iowa.  Catherine and Elmer were married at the Student Chapel in Iowa City in 1956.  Catherine taught Latin at Iowa City High School.  After the births of their three children, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Catherine earned a media specialist degree and worked as a librarian in the Columbus Catholic school system.

Catherine had many joys in her life.  Aside from family, including following the adventures of many nieces and nephews through social media, she spoke often of the wonderful students and teachers at St. Thomas and Our Lady of Peace elementary schools. She also loved story telling, and commanding the room while she spun out her many, familiar tales, of childhood, her students, and yarns that likely were purely fictional.

Catherine is survived by her husband Elmer, her children Mark, Matthew (Lisa), and Jean Lampe, her grandchildren Emma, Anna, and Zachary Lampe, her sisters Elizabeth Verhoeven (John) and Margaret Ralph (Don), her cousins Ted Nutting (Maureen) and Theresa Marcy, and her many nieces, nephews, and friends, including her dear friend Becky Francis.

Friends may call 2 – 5 p.m. Friday April 26th at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME NORTHWEST CHAPEL 4661 Kenny Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Saturday April 27th at St. Michael Church 5750 N. High St. Burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery

Donations may be made to Catholic Social Services of Columbus. 

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