Katherine L. Carey

Katherine L. Carey, 93, of Columbus Junction, died Friday, June 16, 2017, at Colonial Manor Care Center in Columbus Junction where she had been a resident since October of 2016.

A celebration of Katherine?s life will be held at the American Legion, 99 Second Street, Columbus Junction, Iowa on Sunday, June 25, 2017. A casual service will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a time of casual fellowship until 4. Memorials can be made to Indian Creek Cemetery Association where she will be inurned at a later date or to the Colonial Manor Care Center. Elliott Chapel of New London is assisting the family at this time.

Carey was born Aug. 14, 1923, in Malta, Mont., to Robert A. and Katherine (Hartmann) Pewitt.

When the Great Depression hit, the family loaded up their belongings and headed to California. After a time there, they moved back to the mining town of Landusky, Mont., and then to Chicago.

In 1941, she graduated from Niles Township High School. During World War II the family then moved to Wapello to rent a farm and train and show horses.

Carey enlisted in the United States Navy as a WAVE. She completed her basic training in New York City. She then completed her tech training in Oklahoma City. After completion, she was then stationed at Oakland Alameda as an airplane mechanic then a tool room clerk. Jan. 9, 1946, she was discharged to civilian life, returning to Wapello. She then worked various jobs while training for her pilot?s license.

She married Keith Carey on May 5, 1950, at the Methodist Church in Wapello. They worked together on the family farm on Indian Creek Road in Columbus Junction.

Carey is survived by her husband, Keith; two daughters, Twyla (Dan) Peters, of Columbus Junction, and Patti (Larry) Fred Gerling, of Winfield; two sons, Jeff (Nancy) Carey, of Columbus Junction, and Bill (Debby) Carey, of Columbus Junction; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister; her brother; her step-mother, Isadene Drake Pewitt; a step-sister, Maxine Linendoll; and one great-grandson.