Katherine L. (Westrick) Losiewski

L. (Westrick) Losiewski passed away on Memorial Day, May 25, 2015.

Katherine was born Dec. 30, 1921, to John and Elizabeth (Vyverman) Westrick in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

After high school, Kay completed her registered nurse’s degree with the nuns at Borgess Hospital. Seeing the needs of World War II, Kay enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1944 to 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.

For many years in Arkansas she volunteered as a reading tutor at the local school and mentored children to encourage their education. Her favorite charitable event at the American Legion was their annual shoe drive.

She lost her husband of 62 years in 2008, Casimir C. Losiewski, and moved to Palmer 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 five brothers and two sisters.

Surviving is her son, Thomas M. Losiewski and wife, Mary, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; daughter, Mary Salisbury, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; daughter, Ruth A. Reisterer and husband, Matthew, of Palmer; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 52, 717 Market Street, Mountain Home, AR, 72653.

According to her wishes, a mass will be said in her name at a later date at St. Augustine’s Cathedral in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her interment is June 15 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.