Katharina Aikin, 91, of Urbana, passed away on Monday morning, November 16, 2009, at her home.

An open house to celebrate her life and honor her memory will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 29, from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. at her home on Eagle Ridge Ct., in Urbana. She will be interred beside her husband the following day in a private ceremony at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society or to the Champaign County Adult Day Care.

Katharina was born in 1918, in Remscheid, Germany, the daughter of Conrad and Augusta Reuland. A war bride, she married John K. Aikin on June 28, 1947, in Wood River, IL. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1978.

She is survived by her son Jefferson, his wife Vivian and their son Scott of Whitefish Bay, WI; her son Kenneth of Urbana, his friend Terese Allender of Champaign, whom she loved as a daughter; and her daughter-in-law Sue Aikin of Parachute, CO.

She was preceded in death by her son Spencer of Parachute, CO (Feb. 2009); and her sisters Hilda and Marianna, and brother Rolf of Germany.

Katharina was a devoted wife and homemaker. She worked part-time as a sales associate for Carson Pirie Scott/Bergner's in Urbana for 19 years. Upon retiring, she volunteered with the Carle Hospital Auxiliary working in the gift shop.

An active woman, she enjoyed traveling and camping with her husband, and later, with her traveling sisters known as "The Four Musketeers" on many Elderhostel trips. She liked to read, knit and cook for family and friends. She delighted in the Arts and Theater. She was a good listener, always interested in what others had to say.

Katharina was a lady of great character. She left so much good with every soul she touched. She will be dearly missed.