Katherine Wickstrom

Katherine Nelson Wickstrom, age 102, a resident of St. Martin’s-in-the-Pines in Birmingham and formerly a resident of Pelham, Alabama, died September 16, 2014. She was born in Negaunee, Michigan on April 29, 1912. In 1947, she and her husband, Walter William Wickstrom, Sr., moved to Bessemer, Alabama when he took a Mining Engineering position with USS Corporation.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she lived an active life. Katherine will be fondly remembered for her giving heart, willingness to help others, wonderful baked goods, and amazing memory. She had a passion for spending time with family and friends, growing roses, feeding birds, exercising, and playing card and board games. When Walter’s job took them all over the U.S. and to England, they immensely enjoyed the opportunity to travel. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bessemer.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Walter William Wickstrom, Sr. and son-in-law, R. Harris Kendrick. She is survived by three daughters, Betty W. Kendrick of Helena, Jean W. Liles (Curtis III) of Birmingham, and Nancy W. Siekman (Dwayne, Sr.) of East Earl, PA; two sons, Walter W. Wickstrom, Jr. (Glenda) of Birmingham and Philip J. Wickstrom, Sr. (Betty) of Atlanta. Her grandchildren will miss her loving spirit: Anna W. Cash (Joel), Molly Wickstrom, Philip Wickstrom, Jr., Dwayne Siekman, Jr. (Pamela), Christopher Siekman (Stacey), Mark Siekman (Christie), Stephanie S. Shirk (Jim), Matthew Siekman (Nicole), and Bernadette Siekman. Also blessed by her sweet spirit are 14 great-grandchildren who adored her.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery with Reverend Randolph Kesler, officiating. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 1723 Third Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020, or to your favorite charity.

The family appreciates the outstanding care given by the staff of St. Martin’s and New Beacon Hospice.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.