WIGANT, Catherine Ann (Balsley) 1924-2018

WIGANT, BALSLEY, LANGOHR

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 4/28/2024 at 00:06:45

Catherine Ann (Balsley) Wigant 1924-2018

Catherine Ann Wigant, 93, died on February 1, 2018, at St. Mark’s Memory Care in Austin, Minnesota.

Catherine was born on April 24, 1924, in Orchard, Iowa, to Alfred Dennis and Almeda Marie Balsley. She graduated from Orchard High School in the class of 1941. As valedictorian of her small class, she was awarded a scholarship, which she gave to another classmate. Catherine worked at an egg factory and at the Oliver Tractor until her marriage.

She married Raymond William Wigant on January 18, 1945, at the Congregational Church in Orchard. As an Army bride, she lived in Georgia with Ray until his discharge. They came back to Austin, where Catherine worked at Nelson’s Supermarket and at the Piggly Wiggly store. Catherine and Raymond celebrated 64 years or marriage. To that union, they had four children: Raymond Alan, Ruth Ann, Brenda Joy and Wendy Fay.

Catherine was one of the oldest members of the Austin Church of Christ, having joined in 1946. Catherine and Raymond spent 24 winters in Hawaii and enjoyed other travels as well. In her spare time, Catherine enjoyed square dancing, yard work and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Raymond Alan and Pam Wigant, Centerton, Arkansas; daughters and son-in-law, Brenda and Eddie Brekke, Spring Valley, Minnesota, and Wendy Arnett and special friend Al Smith, Austin; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marcella Serleth, Las Vegas, Nevada, Mildred Whitcomb, Austin, and Barb Grinstead, Austin; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; brother, Alfred Junior Balsley; and daughter, Ruth Ann Langohr.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Austin Church of Christ.

SOURCE: Austin Daily Herald website, Monday 16 APR 2018