Obituary of Kathryn Walstrom

Kathryn Lou Walstrom, the daughter of Vernard and Lucille (Kramer) Walstrom, was born on July 3, 1948 in Spencer, Iowa. She grew up in Royal, Iowa, graduating from Clay Central High School in 1966. She pursued additional education, earning a B.S. degree in English at Iowa State University in 1970. Kathy worked as a teacher, a secretary, and then as a certified nursing assistant at Longhouse Residence in Spencer. She was a compassionate caregiver to the elderly, and formed many lasting friendships during the 26 years she spent at Longhouse. Kathy loved family gatherings where she especially cherished time spent with her two nieces and four nephews. She loved each of them as if they were her own children. Kathy was a special aunt, and in the past 15 months, had become a “Great Aunt”—treasuring moments spent playing with baby Matilyn. Health issues challenged Kathy, and walking had become extremely difficult for her. She had knee surgery on May 27, 2009. Due to unexpected complications, she passed away at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Arkansas on June 11, 2009 at the age of 60. Kathryn is survived by a brother Douglas Walstrom and his wife, Emily, of Rogers, Arkansas, a brother Thomas Walstrom, his wife, Kathryn and their children Adam and Travis of Apple Valley, MN, a brother James Walstrom of Phoenix, Arizona, and a sister Sharon and her husband, Alfred J. Wessling of Bayard, Iowa, along with their children: Alfred V. Wessling and his wife Kelly of Indianapolis, Indiana, Teresa and her husband Jason Trierweiler and daughter Matilyn of Spencer, Iowa, Angela Wessling of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mark Wessling of Sioux City, Iowa; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. A Celebration of Life Kathryn Walstrom Born ~ July 3, 1948 Died ~ June 11, 2009 Age ~ 60 years 11 months 8 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009 St. Louis Catholic Church Royal, Iowa Officiating ~ Father Robert Brown Organist ~ Anne Fell Soloist ~ Travis Walstrom “The Lord’s Prayer” Congregational Singing “Praise to the Lord” “One Bread, One Body” “On Eagles’ Wings” “Now Thank We All Our God” Gifts ~ Douglas Walstrom, Thomas Walstrom, James Walstrom Cross Bearer ~ Mark Wessling Readers ~ Angela Wessling, Teresa Trierweiler Eucharistic Ministers ~ Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wessling Pallbearers Duane Zeller Alfred V. Wessling Mark Wessling Adam Walstrom Travis Walstrom Jason Trierweiler Interment Riverside Cemetery ~ Spencer, Iowa