Obituary for Kathe F. Wiegert
LAGRANGE – Kathe Franziska Wiegert, 95, died peacefully on December 10, 2018 at her home.
Born in Freiburg, Germany on April 3, 1923, she was the daughter of Johanna Schmidt and Johan Ritzau. She received her high school and business training in Germany and became a fashion buyer after working her way up the ladder at an upscale dress shop that served the rich and famous.
Upon coming to the United States in 1955, Kathe got a job working at a nursery school, which she credited for helping her to learn English. From there she moved on to employment at Nationwide Insurance Co., returned to Germany for a year and came back to the United States.
On May 10, 1958, Kathe married William Joseph Wiegert who predeceased her on September 20, 1994. She proudly became a naturalized US citizen in 1961. From 1968-1984, Kathe and Bill owned and operated the Forest Haus, a successful German-American restaurant in Wappingers Falls, renovating it to look like an alpine chalet. Kathe spent long hours in the kitchen each day personally doing the cooking.
After Bill's passing, Kathe's long-time friendship with Ted Bumstead grew into a wonderful relationship that gave them both a compassionate and caring companionship in their later years that lasted until Ted's passing in 2012.
In her younger years, Kathe enjoyed playing tennis and golf and loved swimming in her pool until a few years ago. Kathe also loved going to the Beekman Senior Center with her friends and enjoyed crafts, sewing, painting and all types of needlework. She also took great pride in keeping her home and property in pristine condition.
Kathe is survived by her nieces Norma Wall of Poughkeepsie, Darcy Ann Araya of Florida, Cathy Credino of Tarrytown and their families; nephews Thomas Sharpe of Georgia, Robert Gargliardo of Connecticut, Geoffrey Wall of Poughkeepsie and their families. She is also survived by family on her late husband's side Karen Weaver and Trudy Nelson of Florida as well as numerous other relatives in Germany. She also leaves behind her long-time friend Barbel Zehnbauer and close friends Paska Selca, Roy Young, Rosemarie and Roman Yasiejko and many others who kept in touch with her weekly.
The family would like to thank Kerry Ann Moustakas and Jennifer Fauster who, through their loving care, made it possible for her to remain at home till the end.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 14, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, December 15, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville, NY, followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, Inc. or the SPCA. Please visit Kathe's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.
Born in Freiburg, Germany on April 3, 1923, she was the daughter of Johanna Schmidt and Johan Ritzau. She received her high school and business training in Germany and became a fashion buyer after working her way up the ladder at an upscale dress shop that served the rich and famous.
Upon coming to the United States in 1955, Kathe got a job working at a nursery school, which she credited for helping her to learn English. From there she moved on to employment at Nationwide Insurance Co., returned to Germany for a year and came back to the United States.
On May 10, 1958, Kathe married William Joseph Wiegert who predeceased her on September 20, 1994. She proudly became a naturalized US citizen in 1961. From 1968-1984, Kathe and Bill owned and operated the Forest Haus, a successful German-American restaurant in Wappingers Falls, renovating it to look like an alpine chalet. Kathe spent long hours in the kitchen each day personally doing the cooking.
After Bill's passing, Kathe's long-time friendship with Ted Bumstead grew into a wonderful relationship that gave them both a compassionate and caring companionship in their later years that lasted until Ted's passing in 2012.
In her younger years, Kathe enjoyed playing tennis and golf and loved swimming in her pool until a few years ago. Kathe also loved going to the Beekman Senior Center with her friends and enjoyed crafts, sewing, painting and all types of needlework. She also took great pride in keeping her home and property in pristine condition.
Kathe is survived by her nieces Norma Wall of Poughkeepsie, Darcy Ann Araya of Florida, Cathy Credino of Tarrytown and their families; nephews Thomas Sharpe of Georgia, Robert Gargliardo of Connecticut, Geoffrey Wall of Poughkeepsie and their families. She is also survived by family on her late husband's side Karen Weaver and Trudy Nelson of Florida as well as numerous other relatives in Germany. She also leaves behind her long-time friend Barbel Zehnbauer and close friends Paska Selca, Roy Young, Rosemarie and Roman Yasiejko and many others who kept in touch with her weekly.
The family would like to thank Kerry Ann Moustakas and Jennifer Fauster who, through their loving care, made it possible for her to remain at home till the end.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 14, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, December 15, at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville, NY, followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation, Inc. or the SPCA. Please visit Kathe's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.