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.
S E R V I C E S
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025
Visitation: 5pm to 8pm
Rosary: 7pm
SUGAR LAND MORTUARY
1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025
Visitation: 4pm to 5pm
Funeral: 5pm
Reception to Follow
SUGAR LAND MORTUARY
1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas
Burial will take place in Iowa City, Iowa.
Dear Petershagen family, John, Ben, Becca, Sarah, and Andrew,
I am so sorry for the loss of Kitty. She was such a dear person, and though I hadn’t seen her in several years, Justin and Katie always kept me informed of all the family going ons. I loved seeing her Facebook posts from Iowa and Kitty with her precious grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed.
Her obituary is lovely, and really captures her spirit. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Allie and Gary Fonville
I had the honor of working with Kitty while I too was at Methodist Hospital for many years. She was a leader of a great support team in the blood bank of Methodist. She will be missed by many.
David H Yawn, MD
My deepest sympathy to Sarah and family! Although I only had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of times, I know how deeply she was involved in her family’s lives and how much she was loved and will be dearly missed. Time helps the wound heal but the scar is always there. Cherish the memories you had with your mom! XO
So sorry to hear of Kitty’s passin.
May God give the comfort of peace and strength to her family.
Debbie Hagins, BTGH-Laboratory
Dear Petershagen Family,
I had the pleasure of living next door to your Mom for almost 40 years. Though we knew each other through our daughters, who grew up like sisters, our connection grew into a quiet meaningful frienship sharing many milestones through them-weddings, baby showes and lots of memories. I’ll always be greatful for the warmth and kindness she brought to our little part of the Meadows. She will be truely missed.
Love
Ms. Hood
Oh my. Classmate from Iowa City. She was a very nice person with wonderful intellec. Always respected and always ready for good conversation and of course. Fun. I would often see her on campus at IOWA and often talked. Sad day. My condolences from Iowa City.
Rex Brandstatter