Kate Preminger, 97; a Listener

Kate Preminger died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends in Pacific Palisades on August 14 at age 97. Kate survived her husband of more than 70 years, film producer and Hollywood literary agent Ingo Preminger, by 14 months. Born Katharina Maria Musil on April 1, 1910 in Vienna, Austria, she was one of three children of Karl Franz Musil and Katharina Anna Tichaczek. She was raised in Vienna, which is where she met Ingo in 1927, the start of a love story that equally defined her life and his. They left Austria in 1938 and settled in New York City with their first child. Before departing for West Los Angeles in 1947, two more children were born. After residing in Brentwood and Westwood, Kate enjoyed living in the Huntington Palisades for the past 13 years and could frequently be seen walking side by side with her husband. Kate will be remembered most for how she listened. Friends and family came to her to talk because her advice was clear-eyed and unsentimental yet kind, wise and deeply understanding. She was a wonderful cook and continued to make delicious Austrian meals well into her 80s. In fact, entertaining family and friends was an important activity. She doted on her children and grandchildren and often traveled the world with them. Her kindness and elegance shown through in all that she did. She was beloved by all, but most particularly by her late husband. Kate is predeceased by her sister Maria and brother Karl, and is survived by her brother, Ernst Musil, of Pacific Palisades; her three children, Eve Preminger (husband Ted Friedman), Kathy Kauff (Jerry) and Jim Preminger (Beth); eight grandchildren, Wendy Futterman, Sarah Friedman, Adam and Emily Kauff, and Liza, Sam, Grace and Alexandra Preminger; and four great-grandchildren, Eddie and Katie Futterman and Rose and Ingo Solomon. A private family memorial service in honor of Kate and Ingo is being planned for early September. Donations in Kate Preminger’s memory may be made to the UCLA Division of Geriatrics, c/o Wendi Morner, 10945 Le Conte Ave., Suite 3132, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1784.