NURSE
US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
Katherine Louise Westrick Losiewski, 93, of Palmer, Alaska, was born December 30, 1921, to John and Elizabeth (Vyverman) Westrick in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
After high school, Kay completed her R.N. degree with the nuns at Borgess Hospital. Seeing the needs of WWII, Kay enlisted in the Army and served from 1944-1946 in England, France and Germany with the 101st General Hospital as a nurse, First Lieutenant.
After her discharge and subsequent marriage to a military man, she followed his assignments to France and many U.S. bases, including those in Hawaii and the New England states. She considered her military service a great honor and adventure, often remarking how she had lived through so much history.
In addition to nursing, Kay received further training in bookkeeping and office management to become the office manager in the family business. She was involved in the local small business association and political action committee in Kalamazoo.
After retiring, she and her husband relocated to Gassville, Arkansas where she served as chaplain in the American Legion for many years. Kay was a lifelong member of the American Legion. Her favorite charitable event at the American Legion was their annual shoe drive.
For many years in Arkansas, she volunteered as a reading tutor at the local school and mentored children to encourage their education.
In 2008 she lost her husband of 62 years, Casimir C. "Casey" Losiewski, and moved to Palmer, Alaska for her final adventure. Kay enjoyed being in the company of her fellow veterans at the Palmer Veterans and Pioneers Home during her last years, and frequently expressed gratitude for the good care she received there.
She was preceded in death by her 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Her surviving children are: Thomas M. Losiewski and wife, Mary, of Kalamazoo, MI, daughter, Mary Salisbury, of Kalamazoo, MI, and daughter, Ruth A. Reisterer and husband, Matthew, of Palmer, AK. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes there will be a mass said in her name at St. Augustine's Cathedral in Kalamazoo, MI, at a later date.
Her interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan, on June 15th at 10 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 52, 717 Market Street, Mountain Home, AR, 72653. Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Published by Kalamazoo Gazette from May 29 to May 31, 2015.
NURSE
US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
Katherine Louise Westrick Losiewski, 93, of Palmer, Alaska, was born December 30, 1921, to John and Elizabeth (Vyverman) Westrick in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
After high school, Kay completed her R.N. degree with the nuns at Borgess Hospital. Seeing the needs of WWII, Kay enlisted in the Army and served from 1944-1946 in England, France and Germany with the 101st General Hospital as a nurse, First Lieutenant.
After her discharge and subsequent marriage to a military man, she followed his assignments to France and many U.S. bases, including those in Hawaii and the New England states. She considered her military service a great honor and adventure, often remarking how she had lived through so much history.
In addition to nursing, Kay received further training in bookkeeping and office management to become the office manager in the family business. She was involved in the local small business association and political action committee in Kalamazoo.
After retiring, she and her husband relocated to Gassville, Arkansas where she served as chaplain in the American Legion for many years. Kay was a lifelong member of the American Legion. Her favorite charitable event at the American Legion was their annual shoe drive.
For many years in Arkansas, she volunteered as a reading tutor at the local school and mentored children to encourage their education.
In 2008 she lost her husband of 62 years, Casimir C. "Casey" Losiewski, and moved to Palmer, Alaska for her final adventure. Kay enjoyed being in the company of her fellow veterans at the Palmer Veterans and Pioneers Home during her last years, and frequently expressed gratitude for the good care she received there.
She was preceded in death by her 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Her surviving children are: Thomas M. Losiewski and wife, Mary, of Kalamazoo, MI, daughter, Mary Salisbury, of Kalamazoo, MI, and daughter, Ruth A. Reisterer and husband, Matthew, of Palmer, AK. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes there will be a mass said in her name at St. Augustine's Cathedral in Kalamazoo, MI, at a later date.
Her interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan, on June 15th at 10 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 52, 717 Market Street, Mountain Home, AR, 72653. Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Published by Kalamazoo Gazette from May 29 to May 31, 2015.
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