Katharine Josephine Summa

Larchwood, IA

     Katharine Josephine Summa of Ankeny, IA, formerly of Larchwood, IA, 93, died peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Taylor House hospice facility in Des Moines, IA.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 27^th at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA with Father Francis Makwinja officiating. Burial will follow at the Larchwood Cemetery.

     Visitation will be 4:00 — 8:00 pm on Friday, July 26^th with family present from 6:00 — 8:00 pm and a 7:00 pm Vigil Service at the church.    

     Katharine Josephine (Reinke) Summa was born on February 11, 1926 at the family farm, one mile south of Larchwood, the daughter of Lester and Sophia (Clercx) Reinke.

   Josephine graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1943. Upon graduation, her first job was at the Farmers Co-Op Elevator in Larchwood. In 1946, she began working at the George State Bank, but returned six months later due to her mother's health. She then began working at Security Savings Bank in Larchwood.

     On June 24, 1950, Josephine was united in marriage to Lowell W. Summa of George, IA at the Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. She supported her husband while travelling for the first six years of their marriage in a 28-foot trailer while Lowell was working for the C & NW Railroad. After renting a house for approximately a year in Estelline, SD, they purchased a home in Bruce, SD in 1957. In March of 1961, they settled in Larchwood where they raised their family. Their family, with Josephine "at the helm" while Lowell was traveling with work, raised large gardens sharing fruits and vegetables with friends, neighbors, and various businesses including hospitals and restaurants in Sioux Falls.

     A member of the Church of St. Mary, the Altar Society, and, St. Rose's Circle, Josephine valued her faith greatly.

     In 2016, she left her home and Larchwood to live with her daughter, Lonna and her family in Ankeny, IA.

     Josephine's family will always treasure her unwavering, patient love. She modeled for her children acceptance, respect, and especially hard work. She valued honesty, kind hearts, humility, and the enjoyment of a sweet treat! Chocolate was the "key" to her heart!

     Surviving are her children Dale (Amy), Lake Jackson, TX; Lonna (John) Stites, Ankeny, IA; Gerry (Ann), Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Amy (Travis) Gifford, Ankeny, IA; Troy Stites, Dallas, TX; James (Liz) Willers, Sioux Falls, SD; Leigh (Alex) McCoy, Sioux Falls, SD; Russell Summa, Lake Jackson, TX; Great-Grandchildren Ava and Luke Gifford, Ankeny, IA; Benny and Avery Willers, Sioux Falls, SD; Jack and Henry McCoy, Sioux Falls, SD; Sisters-in-Law Connie Reinke, Larchwood, IA; Edith (James) Heppner, New Market, MD

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell in 2009; parents, Les and Sophia Reinke; and brother, Paul Reinke.

     She will be greatly missed by many! Blessed be her memory.