Cate Windelborn

Catheryn Pauline Dorothea Windelborn

November 20, 1968 – September 30, 2023

Cate Windelborn, age 54, of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly and much too soon, on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Born November 20, 1968, in Sycamore, IL, she is the daughter of Martha (Seifert) Windelborn and the late William (Bill) Windelborn. Cate attended Sycamore High School, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Central Michigan University. After undergraduate studies, she returned to Central Michigan to earn a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting.

Cate championed kindness in this world. Her students were her children, whom she loved with all her heart. She touched and enhanced the lives of everyone she met, regardless of age. Music was her favorite way to demonstrate that kindness. Cate was an immensely talented and multi-faceted musician. She taught choral music for 26 years, beginning in Oscoda, MI for eight years, and then settling in Monroe for more than 17 years. In addition to teaching at Monroe High School, she enjoyed conducting the choir at Christ Lutheran Church, performing in musical theater orchestras, and exploring string chamber music with her long-time quartet friends.

Beloved daughter of Martha and Bill Windelborn. Loving sister of Bud Windelborn (Christine), Jim Windelborn (Cristin), and Tom Windelborn. Dear aunt to Sarah Windelborn, Emily Windelborn, Jackie Windelborn, Genna Roth and Kate Roth. Respected and loved teacher of thousands. Loyal friend to all.

There will be a public visitation at Rupp Funeral Home, (2345 Custer Rd. in Monroe) on Friday, October 6 from 3pm to 8pm. On Saturday, October 7, she will lie in state at the Monroe Middle School auditorium (503 Washington St in Monroe) from 10-11am. The funeral service will follow at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted toward the newly-formed Cate Windelborn Memorial Scholarship at Monroe High School. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at Rupp Funeral Home, with checks written to William Windelborn. Electronic donations can be made on Venmo (@Bud-Windelborn) or PayPal (bud@windelborn.com).

A large-scale memorial service celebrating Cate’s love of music and teaching will take place at a later date and will be highly publicized for all to attend.