Was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on December 1, 1981, and left her earthly home much too soon on February 3, 2022. She rests now in the arms of Jesus with her Grandpa Roy Sparwasser, who always called her “Katy Did,” her Grandma Gladys Sparwasser, who called her “Kitty,” her grandparents Shirley and Phil Winkler, who liked to call her Rocky II, not for the Rocky movies, but for the hard-headedness she inherited from her mother, and her uncle Mike Winkler. Known to most as Katie, she was “Katie Pie” to her father Bert Sparwasser and mother Sharon (Winkler) Sparwasser who mourn her passing.
Katie met her future husband, William Michael Maass, as a freshman at Lutheran High School South, where by sophomore year they were good friends, and by junior year best friends. They remained best friends throughout their marriage which began October 15, 2005, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Saint Louis, where Bill’s grandparents were married 58 years earlier. Katie held a special place in the hearts of Bill’s grandparents, Anna and Bill Maass. Grandpa Bill Maass and Grandma LaVerne Manes are celebrating in heaven to have Katie with them. Grandma Anna Maass joins with Bills’ parents, Bill and Jeanette (Manes) Maass, sister-in-law, Rebecca Ann (Teguh) Djaja, nephews, Isaac Town and Mirio Djaja, uncles and aunts Rick (Karen) Winkler, Mark (Kyilene) Winkler, Susan Winkler and Barbara Rutledge, and numerous cousins, in-laws, and friends in continuing to remember and celebrate Katie here on earth.
Katie, a graduate of Lutheran High School South, Forest Park Community College, and Webster University, culminated her education with a Masters in Management and Leadership from Webster University, finishing with a grade point just short of perfect. Katie, along with Bill, began working at Killark Electric post college, where she rose to the official position of Quotations Manager and the unofficial position of “ask Katie, she knows everything.”
Anyone who knew Katie knew she loved all things purple, Disney, Christmas and puppies, but her favorites were her pups Molly and Evie who brought much joy to her and Bill. In lieu of flowers, Katie would like you to consider a donation to Needy Paws Rescue (needypaws.org).
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, February 9 from 3-8 with Funeral Service on Thursday, February 10 at 10:30 am. Interment at St. Trinity Cemetery
To our “Princess” Katie. We will hold you close in our hearts with love forever. You will always be our beautiful daughter, with your generous spirit, giggle-laugh, and welcoming smile to everyone you met. We are so blessed that God chose us as your parents and so proud of the amazing young woman you became. You will be with us forever.
Love always,
Dad and Mom
To the Sparwasser family and friends, please accept our sincere heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved daughter, Katie. May God bless you with peace during this most difficult time.
I knew Katie through work, and that is work from a distance. But that distance did not stop us from becoming friends during and beyond work. I could tease her and test her on any number of things – and she did the same to me in return. She celebrated the birth of my youngest child with us and the loss of our elderly dog. As much as she had a strong mind, her heart was bigger.
My favorite part of Katie was her beautiful, fun – child-like – laugh. Making her laugh, and laughing with her, was a favorite pastime of mine. That love of laughing is something we will always share.
I am so sorry to hear about Katie. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Have such happy memories of visiting Katie when she was a baby. Our grandma Ruth loved Katie so much. Sending our deepest sympathies at this very sad time. As a fellow dog lovers, we have donated in memory of Katie to needypaws.org. Love, Elizabeth Binder and family
To my beautiful niece –Katie
Thank you for all the love you gave us on earth. You are one of the most generous and giving individuals that I know. I found this poem that reminded me of you.
No Tears in Heaven
There are no tears in Heaven nor grief of any kind. I leave this final teardrop to those I’ve left behind. Though absent from the body, I’m present with the Lord; the joy of my salvation is now my full reward.
And just as God has promised he’s wiped my tears away, and nothing can compare to the wonder of that day.
So keep me in your memory and know that up above there are no tears in Heaven instead there’s only LOVE.
I Love you
Aunt Sue
What can I say about my sweet Katie that will probably be said a thousand times in the days and weeks to come. She was so special. Her smile could literally light up a room. Her giggling laugh could bring a smile to the gloomiest face. Her kindness and selflessness could warm any heart. Kate was witty and bright, thoughtful and sincere, intelligent and accomplished but most of all she was Katie. Funny, generous, kind and loving. She was an awesome daughter, an amazing and beautiful wife, a cherished and beloved niece. Kate warmed all of our hearts.
I can’t help but smile when I wonder what she and Grandma Winkler will be getting up to. She was a bright light in every life she touched. I love you Katie, all the way to the stars.
Aunt Barbie
My sister-in-law has been in my life since 1998. I was 10 when my brother started dating Katie. She had no siblings, so she always called me her sister. She was a very giving and sweet woman of God. She was a little shy sometimes but that’s not who she really was. She was a friend and wife to my brother, William Maass, and part of our family from the start. We went to Disney World together when I was 12 and for my wedding present, they gifted us 4 days to Disney. I’ve had a lot of hard times and she always gave the best advice and bailed me out time and time again. Katie never missed a birthday and always signed the card Love, Billy and Katie. She had beautiful handwriting. Billy has chicken scratch lol. She was the godmother to my eldest son Isaac. She always spoiled the kids at Christmas and birthdays. Katie had an attitude like Santa. Katie was an excellent chef! She taught me how to make mango cheesecake after she made some for school. Only problem was that I miss read the recipe and did not do 4 oz of butter, instead, 4 sticks of butter! I never did live that one down
I will miss your smile and love. I’m so sad that the pandemic has kept us apart. I will see you again in heaven! Rest in the Lord tonight.
I will miss Katie’s smile and wishing me good night every time I left work.
In addition I will miss hearing Katie giggling and laughing voice in the background when I was on calls with Bill.
You will be missed Katie.
Bert and Sharon,
I just saw this and wanted to send my deepest sympathies. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon and Bert,
So sorry for the loss of your daughter. Thoughts and prayers for you and your families.
Every Summer we would visit St. Louis for two weeks with family. We would see baby Katie and Grandma Gladys. At some point we would always end up at the St. Louis Zoo. Only Gladys would go with the kids into the reptile house. I can only image Katie having her grandmas spunk.
Love, Johnathan Binder and family
Dear Bert and Sharon,
I am so sorry for your loss. Katie was like an extended part of our agency family. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Bill,
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and family. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Katie and Bill first introduced me to Saint Louis when I came to live here after college. You introduced me to your family and made me feel truly at home.
Katie would visit Bill in college who lived across the hall from me. She brought with her a sharp sense of humor and wit and gave anyone whom she met a run for their intellectual money.
Many times have I enjoyed your company over dinner, a walk through the zoo, or a movie. Thanks for your infectious laughter (often at me) and for giving me some great life pointers as I started my adult life.
May you rest comfortably and enjoy all of your friends/family in heaven. You are missed but will never be forgotten!
James Moynihan & the Moynihan Family
Mr. Bill,
I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss. It truly does sadden my heart to hear of such a terrible thing happening in the life of someone I consider an important mentor and who I look up to quite highly. I will most assuredly be praying for you.
Katie’s quick wit and infectious laugh always brought such joy to family gatherings. We will miss her so much and are sad beyond words. Bill, Sharon and Bert – you and Katie are in our prayers.
Bill, Sharon and Bert, we always had very fond memories of Katie. We followed her through Facebook and noted her humor, wit and love for animals. We’ve never seen 2 people be the best of friends like Bill and Kate. She was loved by everyone. Our hearts are broken. You are in our daily prayers to help give you the strength as you try to cope with the loss of Katie.
We will miss her very much from our lives.
All Our Love
Mark & Kyilene
I remember every time we would come up for Christmas Me, Jen, Katie & Billy would go to the movies to “get away from the grown ups”. I always looked forward to that part of Christmas, and looking at movies that will be at the theater during that time. There was one time we went to eat before going and Katie had French Onion Soup… I use the think that was so gross till she showed me it’s basically broth with bread and cheese. Now anytime soup is an option I pick that and ALWAYS compare it to that first French Onion Soup I had with her. Odd I know, but it’s just a little bit of Katie that will be with me there randomly forever.
I cannot believe you are gone. You were my best friend growing up and just like an older sister(a nice one lol). We would play in the basement and we could hide from everyone during family holidays. Everytime we returned to St Louis you were there(Billy started hanging around too) and we would go to the movies and out to lunch and we never skipped a beat. I will miss you so much but I know you are laughing and cutting up with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Mike. I love you so much and I know we will be back together and head to the movies again.
We (Lesco) certainly enjoyed working with Katie and she will be missed. She certainly was taken way too soon. Prayers with all her family and friends during this difficult time especially her co-worker and friend Jenni. We donated to the needypaws org in memory of her.
I grew up with Katie at Saint George School. Katie was always a friend to me and anyone in our class. My heart goes out to her friends and family. I will always remember your kind soul!
I am very sorry for your loss. Katie was one of the kindest, loving person I had the privilege to know. She was a friend to everyone, and a true asset to her St. George class.