Alvin Stzyczynski Obituary, Death Cause – Cathryn Detweiler was born on September 18, 1927 in Sterling, Illinois. Her parents were Earl Detweiler and Isabella (Angell) Detweiler. She spent her entire childhood working at the Penrose Store. She attended Sterling High School and then continued her education at Northwestern University. Her marriage to Richard Styczynski took place on September 4, 1948. They had been married for 73 years and celebrated that milestone.
Cathryn had a deep love for her family, her music, and her Lord. She taught piano for more than half a century, was the choir director at Polo Faith United Methodist (EUM) Church, and was a cellist in the Clinton Symphony Orchestra and the Sterling String Quartet. In addition to that, she spent a significant amount of time singing with the Polo Harmonettes. She frequently accompanied students from Polo High School’s music program in the annual IHSA Music Contest because she enjoyed sharing her passion for music with others.
Cathryn was a member of PEO, served on the Polo School Board, was instrumental in founding the Polo Pre School, and volunteered her time at Second Hand Rose. She also founded the Polo School. Throughout the years, she and her husband Richard have taken in two foster children, sponsored an immigrant family from Ethiopia, and hosted a large number of exchange students. Gardening, sewing, and exploring new places were just a few of her numerous interests.
Her children, Lyn Styczynski Greenberg (and her husband Len), of Arlington, Massachusetts; Mark Styczynski (and his wife Ann) of Sterling, Illinois; Neil Styczynski (and his wife Joan) of Bloomington, Illinois; Jan Hagen (and her husband Lyle) of Naperville, Illinois; and Kris Hoover (and her husband Brent), of Des Moines, Iowa; as well as 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, survived her.