Kathryn Marie Winkowitsch

Sibley, Iowa Kathryn Winkowitsch, age 77 of Sibley, Iowa died Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Milford Nursing Center in Milford, IA. Burial will take place prior to the service on Tuesday, July 26th at Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in George, IA, with the family gathering at Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley and processing to the cemetery for an 11:00 AM committal service. Memorial service will be 1:00 PM, Tuesday, July 26th at First Baptist Church in Sibley, IA, with Pastor Doug Noonkester officiating. Visitation will be Monday, July 25th with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Kathryn Marie (Cassens) Winkowitsch was born on May 11, 1934 at Rock Rapids, IA. Her parents were Fred R. and Klazina G. (Kalsbeek) Cassens. She was raised in George, IA most of her childhood. She lived in California for one year when she was thirteen and her father worked in the shipyard. She attended and graduated from George Community High School in 1952. Kathryn came to the Lord at a young age while attending Sunday school. Kathryn married Kenneth Jay Winkowitsch on June 20, 1952 at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in George, IA. They lived in Eagle Bend, MN following their marriage, moving to Allendorf, IA in 1955, Round Lake, MN in 1961, and Sibley, IA in 1967. In 1988, Kathryn suffered a brain aneurysm and lived at home for several years before entering the Country View Manor in Sibley and most recently the Milford Nursing Center in Milford, IA. Kathryn loved her family and enjoyed children very much, especially her grandchildren. She loved being a homemaker, taking care of her home, quilting, sewing and cooking. She had the gift of hospitality. Serving at church was a joy for her; her work in Awana, Bible School, Esther Circle and housing missionaries brought particular enjoyment. She was part of a dedicated prayer group who met weekly to pray for the church, members and each other. Kathryn also enjoyed the trips she and Ken were able to take. Kathryn went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2011 at the Milford Nursing Center at the age of seventy-seven after years of declining health following her aneurysm. Kathryn is survived by five children (having lost five in miscarriages): Darwin (wife, Jo) Winkowitsch of Milford, IA, Dawn (husband, Layne) Gross of Indianola, IA, Janice (husband, Terry) Fitzpatrick of Anamosa, IA, Mary Mitchell of Sibley, IA and Daniel (wife, Luisa) Winkowitsch of Milford, IA; twelve grandchildren and six great grandchildren; one sister, Vivienne Gebauer of Harlington, TX and one brother, Paul Cassens of Urbandale, IA; sister-in-law, Elsie Cassens of Humboldt, IA; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken in January 2009; her parents, Fred and Klazina Cassens; two siblings, Ronald and Russell; and a granddaughter, Joslin Winkowitsch.