Kathryn Petershagen

Obituary of Kathryn Petershagen
Kathryn "Kitty" Byers Petershagen was born on December 7, 1949 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and passed away October 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
Kitty graduated class of 1967 from Iowa City High School. She then went on to graduate from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and later received her SBB certification. On December 19, 1970, she married her high school sweetheart, John Petershagen. After 44 years, their paths changed but they remained dear friends thereafter.
She enjoyed a dedicated and fulfilling career in medical laboratory and blood services-a field she truly loved. She began her career working in the blood bank at University of Iowa Hospitals as a student. It was this exposure to blood banking that solidified her career path. She continued working there after graduation until going to the Community Blood Bank of Central Iowa in Des Moines as Supervisor of Laboratory and Distribution Services. After moving to Texas, she joined the Houston Methodist Hospital Blood Bank and Donor Center where she served as Manager and then Compliance Officer, forming many lifelong friendships. After 23 years at Methodist Hospital, she moved on to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB – Galveston) as Chief Technologist of the Blood Bank at the Blood Donor Center Houston. She concluded her professional journey as Manager of Quality Systems at the Harris County Hospital District until her retirement.
Kitty was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Margaret Byers; her in-laws, Harold "Pete" and Joyce Petershagen; her brother-in-laws Roy Piere and Joel Petershagen; and many other cherished family members.
She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend John Petershagen; her sister Margaret (Peg) Piere, her four children Andrew Petershagen, Benjamin Petershagen, Sarah Christopher (and husband Michael), and Rebecca McMenemy (and husband Thomas); nine grandchildren - Claire, Taylor, Gwyneth, Madison, Andrew, Alyssa, Courtney, Kailey, and Eleanor; one great-grandson, Barrett and soon another great-grandson, baby Colt; her niece, Keri Miller and nephew, Matt Piere.
Kitty lived a richly fulfilled life as a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and animal lover. She made it her mission to be present at her children's and grandchildren's events-no matter how near or far, large or small. A passionate advocate for animals, she cared deeply for her own beloved pets and community cats, and supported numerous animal charities and causes close to her heart. Later in life she embraced her love of sports, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Houston Astros, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles-thanks to her son Benjamin, with whom she shared many days enjoying games together. For decades she also belonged to a beloved bunco group that became an important circle of friends, and she cherished her neighbors and those close to her.
She will always be remembered for her accepting soul, beautiful smile, warm heart, and love for life. The greatest joy she ever knew was bringing her family and friends together-and that is the legacy she leaves behind.