Katherine Block Wolpert 1915-2012

BLOCK, WOLPERT, HARDER

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/11/2012 at 21:37:23

Sioux City Journal
March 18, 2012

SIOUX CITY -- Katherine Block Wolpert, 96, of Sioux City peacefully entered eternal life on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Holy Spirit Retirement Home.

Services for Katherine will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Holy Spirit Chapel, with the Rev. Dennis Meinen officiating. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Onawa City Cemetery at Onawa, Iowa. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, with a Scripture service at 7 p.m., at the Holy Spirit Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

Katherine was born April 12, 1915 in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, to William Caroll and Nelle (Harder) Block. At an early age, her family moved to a homestead near Winner, S.D. The family later relocated to Albany, N.Y., where Katherine and her sisters attended the Catholic school system. After several years in Albany, the family returned to Sergeant Bluff, where Katherine graduated from high school in 1932. Following high school, she entered and completed nurses training at St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Sioux City in 1935. Upon completing nursing school and some additional training, she worked as a Registered Clinical Technologist for a pathologist at St. Joseph's Hospital in Sioux City.

In 1938, Katherine married Paul L. Wolpert, M.D. and settled in Onawa, Iowa. She and Paul raised their nine children in Onawa, living there continually except for a brief period during World War II, when Dr. Paul was stationed in Denver, Colo. at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center.

During the decades from the 1940s through the 1970s, Katherine's life was devoted to raising her nine children. Katherine and Paul were united in mind, heart and purpose fulfilling their parental responsibilities. Many days and nights were spent verifying homework completion, monitoring parish and spiritual obligations and cleaning the endless flow of soiled laundry. For over 20 years, Katherine fulfilled her household duties but also found time to attend, support and cheer at countless high school sporting events and functions.

A major focus outside her home centered on parish life and activities. She attended Mass daily and served a term as president of the Rosary Society at St. John's Parish. Katherine cherished her vocation in life as a wife and mother. She also had an aptitude for scholarship and completed college requirements earning a BA degree from Morningside College in 1971 majoring in English. Her love for literature and writing prompted her to conduct a genealogical inquiry. She researched, wrote and published a study featuring her family heritage. Her book, "A Harder Family," is registered at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Katherine's skill and wisdom were apparent to those she encountered. Her counsel was valued by the multiple boards and societies she served. She effectively served on the governing boards of the Queen of Peace, Elmwood Care Centre and the Onawa Public Library. She also served as president of the Monona County Genealogical Society and the chairperson of the Monona County Republican Party.

Katherine loved her faith and her family. She frequently expressed gratitude for her many blessings. A very active prayer life, especially her devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, offered her strength and comfort through times of joy and sorrow. Living and practicing the beatitudes guided her life on a path of virtue. The path she followed helped her and those who loved her.

Katherine is survived by her nine children, Mary Katherine (Frank) DeFilippes, PhD of Bethesda, Md.; Paul W. (Carolyn) Wolpert, M.D. of Sioux City; John A. (Carol) Wolpert, M.D. of Dakota Dunes; Regina A. (Richard) Ratino, J.D. of Sioux City; Michael L. (Joanna) Wolpert, M.D. of Dakota Dunes; Patricia G. (Michael) Charles, BSN of Denver, Colo.; Margaret R. (Michael) Parra, BSN of Denver; LTC Stephen T. (Isabel) Wolpert, D.D.S. of Killeen, Texas; and James J. (Kimberly) Wolpert, M.D. of St. Paul, Minn. Katherine has one living sister, Carole Winkel of Sioux City. She is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Paul L. Wolpert, M.D.; her parents; and sister, Willamina Bisbee.

The family kindly requests memorials be directed to Queen of Peace, Holy Spirit Retirement Home or St. John's Catholic Church, Onawa, IA.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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