Kathryn Marie Petersen, 86, passed away on Monday, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. Katie was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 23, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Jack and Ingaborg Andersen.
Katie had a heart full of love for everyone around her, and putting others first is how she lived her life.
Kathryn graduated from the Normal School in 1951 and began her career in 1952 at Grant School, teaching grades 1-8. One of her students from 1952 has stayed in touch with his “Mrs. Petersen” all these years. Kathryn enriched and molded many young minds while teaching in the Racine Unified School System for over fifty years. Kathryn taught in many other schools but primarily Gifford and Franksville and was voted Teacher of the year. The Kathryn Petersen Fine Arts Award is given every year at Gifford in remembrance of Kathy’s massive art programs and production plays. She was a member of Christ Church United Methodist Church. Kathy loved to read, was an Abraham Lincoln aficionado, and had a legendary sense of humor.
Kathryn will be dearly missed by her daughter, Hope (David) Owsichek; grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Heather, and Justin Cody, Garret Owsichek; great granddaughter, Haley Briggs; brother, Henry “Hank” (Esther) Andersen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Faith Cody, and a sister, Marion Brehm.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, with Reverend George Kafer officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet Thursday at the church, 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.