Katherine Wiersma, 87, of Valparaiso, Indiana formerly of Chicago passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023. She was born September 15, 1935, in Columbia County, Wisconsin to John & Winnie (Wynsma) Wiersma, later moved to Illinois and graduated from Blue Island Community High School. Katherine made her career as a stenographer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which resulted in her receiving citations from J. Edgar Hoover for her excellent performances. She went on to be a secretary for the Central Regional Postmaster General in Chicago, IL. Upon Retirement, she moved to Valparaiso where she volunteered at Porter Memorial Hospital and later joined the volunteer group for VNA Hospice in Valparaiso where she served for 12 years. Kay was a member of First United Methodist Church in Valparaiso.
Survivors include her brother, Charles Wiersma of Tucson, Arizona and her sister, Helen Wiersma of Valparaiso and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was received in heaven by her parents, John and Winnie Wiersma, brother, James Wiersma, sister, Jennie Kunde, nieces, Allison Sharpe, Kristen Smith, Abby Oldham and nephew Corey Sharpe and her faithful yellow lab, Mason.
A visitation will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with memorial service beginning at 11:30 am. VNA Chaplain Allen Wright will officiate. Burial of her urn will take place at Friesland Cemetery in Wisconsin. Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice in Valparaiso. Click here to watch the recorded Memorial Service.
GUESTBOOK
Our deepest condolences to "Nana Kay". She will be so very missed! May her memory be a blessing! -Lisa Patton
Our sweet Dear Kay will be missed immensely. She takes a piece of my heart. I am so happy I was able to be there. We love you all so much. -SUSAN WYNSMA
My deepest condolences to my Nana Kay’s Family. I hope you all take comfort in knowing that she lived a full and wonderful life. She was the strongest woman I know. -Riley Patton
I am so thankful for the many memories of special times and meaningful conversations over many decades with with Aunt Kay. She was a good aunt. Special thanks to those who cared for her during her illness, and especially to Aunt Helen, who faithfully and lovingly served at her side. -Rich Wiersma
So sorry to hear of Kay's passing. Kay volunteered at The First United Methodist Church's resale shop, "The Shop" , for several years on Saturday mornings. She was a delightful person and I enjoyed our conversations whenever I worked with her. My condolences to her family. -Phyllis Gerber
I will miss hearing Aunt Kay's thoughtful and thought-provoking discussions. She was one of the deepest thinkers I have ever encountered. I admired her boldness, kindness and love and will be praying for everyone who will be missing her deeply. -Amy Oldham
It is difficult to find words to express my thanks for having had Kay in my life for so many years. We were friends since beginning our employment at the FBI in 1953 and shared many "adventures" over the years. I am so thankful we were able to keep in touch until the end and will never forget her strength of spirit and deep faith. Her memory will remain in my heart forever. -Ruth Larson
Whenever we were together or talked over the phone, there were always alot of laughs. Will miss her fun spirit and candor. I always felt loved and made to feel as part of the family. God bless you Aunt Kay. See you in glory one of these days. -Clyde Wisk
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. -Susan Hancock
I am deeply saddened at the passing of my Aunt Kay. My earliest memories include her and how she always made me feel very special. We teased each other as to who loved who more. I'm grateful I was so blessed as to have had her in my life for so long. Her influnce on me can not be measured. -David Wiersma
Auntie “Cake” and I are fellow Virgos and although I don’t really understand what all that means, when I’d do something characteristic of that sign, something she admired, she’d point it out. Our not-often-enough phone calls always ended with her saying “I love you very much!” as she enunciated every syllable. I always felt close in heart despite the miles between us. Back in 2021 we had a special chat as she prepared to undergo surgery. She told me a couple things had been going through her mind and she sang “Twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” Well, Aunt Kay, you made it “home” and I love you very much! Till we meet again. -Shelly Lingo
Kay and I met when we worked at the Regional Headquarters of the U S Postal Service. She was the secretary to the Regional Postmaster General. She sat in a private reception area outside the RPMG's office and my job often brought me to that office. Over the years (20+) we developed a strong friendship and I would sit on a bench in her reception area and we would talk about everything under the sun. We had many wonderful conversations. She called the bench her "sinners bench." After we both retired we continued our friendship and conversations, now on the phone, still talking about everything under the sun. No topic was off limits. This was something meaningful and, often, fun for both of us. I miss these conversations and my very dear friend Kay Wiersma. Much love, ALLEN SCHWARTZ
