Katherine (Kay) Reichert 94, of Monroe, WI. passed away at Seasons of Life Hospice Woodruff, WI on Sunday evening May 3, 2015, just 2 days short of her 95th birthday. Sunday was a beautiful, sunny, birdsong filled day followed by a much needed rain shower in the evening. Just at sunset a beautiful rainbow lit the sky to show her the way to her heavenly home.
Kay was born in Boone, Iowa May 5, 1920 to Harry T. and Fannie B. Worsing where she grew up with her brother Bob. After high school she attended Mercy School of Nursing in Council Bluffs, Iowa and received her R.N. certification. Always adventurous and wanting to see the world Kay enlisted in the Army Air Corps following graduation from nurses' training and served as a surgical nurse throughout WWII. Kay met her husband, Bruce, in Salt Lake City, Utah while both were stationed at Kearns Air Force Base. They walked hand in hand in marriage for 64 years until Bruce's death in 2009. They were blessed with three children Cheryl (Dennis) Hurst; Trish (Rick) Barry; Robert (Aileen) Reichert and grand-children Chris Hurst; Erica Barry; Josh Reichert (deceased); Carrie Reichert Kosta (Daniel); Sarah Reichert and one sweet great-granddaughter Bea.
Kay enjoyed many treasured times with her family, especially those spent at her daughter's lake home in the Minocqua area. Always one to accept a dare, she even jet-skied well into her 80's. Kay and Bruce also spent many wonderful and active retirement years as "Winter Snowbirds" in Texas. While in Texas Kay continued her nursing by conducting blood pressure clinics for their Texas retirement community and she was always "on call" for anyone in the park that needed her healing hand. She also volunteered in elementary schools helping to teach Hispanic children English.
While living in Monroe Kay worked as an RN at St. Clare hospital for many years. Kay was also a member of St John's UCC where she had been active in various women's groups and choir. Among her many interests were sewing, needlepoint, gardening, and her 50 plus year membership in the Order of Eastern Star where she held many local and state offices.
In 2011 Kay was able to join other WWII veterans aboard an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. She was accompanied by her son-in-law Dennis who went as her guardian. Kay was delighted to find out that she was the only female veteran on board and as a 1st Lt. she outranked everyone on the plane.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bruce, grandson Josh Reichert and beloved aunt, Myrtle "Mo" Foes. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. A graveside service for family will be held on Thursday, May 7th in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, WI with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. A celebration of life service will be held for family and friends in June and an invitation will be posted for anyone wishing to come and remember Kay.
The family wishes to thank the loving, gentle, and caring hands that ministered to Kay at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, WI. The warmth and love that was shown to her and her family will always be remembered. A memorial will be set up for Seasons of Life and Wounded Warriors.
Bible verse Math 25: 23
"His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'"
Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, 715-356-3200 or www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.
Kay was born in Boone, Iowa May 5, 1920 to Harry T. and Fannie B. Worsing where she grew up with her brother Bob. After high school she attended Mercy School of Nursing in Council Bluffs, Iowa and received her R.N. certification. Always adventurous and wanting to see the world Kay enlisted in the Army Air Corps following graduation from nurses' training and served as a surgical nurse throughout WWII. Kay met her husband, Bruce, in Salt Lake City, Utah while both were stationed at Kearns Air Force Base. They walked hand in hand in marriage for 64 years until Bruce's death in 2009. They were blessed with three children Cheryl (Dennis) Hurst; Trish (Rick) Barry; Robert (Aileen) Reichert and grand-children Chris Hurst; Erica Barry; Josh Reichert (deceased); Carrie Reichert Kosta (Daniel); Sarah Reichert and one sweet great-granddaughter Bea.
Kay enjoyed many treasured times with her family, especially those spent at her daughter's lake home in the Minocqua area. Always one to accept a dare, she even jet-skied well into her 80's. Kay and Bruce also spent many wonderful and active retirement years as "Winter Snowbirds" in Texas. While in Texas Kay continued her nursing by conducting blood pressure clinics for their Texas retirement community and she was always "on call" for anyone in the park that needed her healing hand. She also volunteered in elementary schools helping to teach Hispanic children English.
While living in Monroe Kay worked as an RN at St. Clare hospital for many years. Kay was also a member of St John's UCC where she had been active in various women's groups and choir. Among her many interests were sewing, needlepoint, gardening, and her 50 plus year membership in the Order of Eastern Star where she held many local and state offices.
In 2011 Kay was able to join other WWII veterans aboard an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. She was accompanied by her son-in-law Dennis who went as her guardian. Kay was delighted to find out that she was the only female veteran on board and as a 1st Lt. she outranked everyone on the plane.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bruce, grandson Josh Reichert and beloved aunt, Myrtle "Mo" Foes. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. A graveside service for family will be held on Thursday, May 7th in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, WI with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating. A celebration of life service will be held for family and friends in June and an invitation will be posted for anyone wishing to come and remember Kay.
The family wishes to thank the loving, gentle, and caring hands that ministered to Kay at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff, WI. The warmth and love that was shown to her and her family will always be remembered. A memorial will be set up for Seasons of Life and Wounded Warriors.
Bible verse Math 25: 23
"His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'"
Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family, 715-356-3200 or www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.