Katharina Baikie

Katharina Reichert Baikie, age 75, of Filer, ID passed away peacefully at home with her sister Elli and Husband Art at her side. Kathy was born near the Harz Mountains of West Germany on April 5, 1947. When Kathy was 8 years old she and her family embarked on a huge U.S. transport ship, The S.S. General Langfitt at Bremerhaven. They crossed the stormy North Atlantic Ocean and entered New York Harbor in the spring of 1956. After a cross-country train ride, they arrived in San Gabriel, CA. sponsored by the local Presbyterian Church; the family started a new life in California. Kathy loved America. That first summer, she learned to speak English. Dad insisted that the family speak English at home. When school started in September. Katharina spoke her new language fluently. Her unlimited energy heaped upon baseball, track, and dancing. Kathy became captain of the girl's baseball team and hit several grand slams, doubles, and triples. Coach would pinch-hit Kathy when the bases were loaded. She would come through. Kathy excelled in track. She was a sprinter and at 5'1" tall, she often beat older and taller girls. She once fell at a race in the beginning and came back to win. Kathy became a youth leader in Church and organized many activities. At grade school graduation, she won the top award for athletic participation and gave the graduation speech. Kathy resisted suggested changes to her speech by her teachers saying, "If you change my words, then it won't be MY speech!" At San Gabriel High School, Katharina was a cheerleader, a dancer, and a gymnast. By then she was becoming quite an artist. Kathy received an art scholarship to the Art Institute of Pasadena. and carried her canvases on the bus on her weekly trip to the Art School. The lovely paintings and drawings she did for her family are held in high esteem. Kathy loved her mom who taught her many things. They loved watching old movies on the T.V. late at night. Katharina's dad taught her how to use tools, shoot a rifle and drive a car. Kathy loved and admired her older sister Ellie, who became a nurse. Kathy's protector was an older brother Felix who was quick to stand up for her. Katharina loved the sensation of speed and dreamed of becoming a jet pilot. She took up downhill skiing and would bomb down double diamond runs. Kathy's eyes for details and pleasing people began a hobby that became her occupation. At home, she started doing the family's hair when she was quite young. Katharina earned a license in Cosmetology and was asked to become an instructor. Soon she had a large clientele. Her kindness, artistic skills, and push for perfection won her clients and their families. Kathy became interested in Astrology as a young woman and often did the chart of those close to her. Katharina was an idealist who believed in God and the innate goodness of people. She loved cats and children and was a sucker for an honest hard luck story. Upon seeing a beggar on the streets of Twin Falls, she would grab her purse, listen, and help out. Kathy made many trips to Valley House, helping out in any way she could. While looking to rent a house in San Dimas, Ca., Kathy was unable to contact the renting agents of the houses she wanted to see. She was forced to rent the remaining house. Katharina realized she was meant to meet someone. She immediately hit it off with her new neighbor named Art. Art claimed she just liked his car, a 20-year-old Volkswagen Bug. They soon moved in together and eventually got married. Theirs was a loving and supportive marriage. After working full time and attending college at night for many years, Kathy was awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Cal Poly University with a Criminal Justice Minor. With Los Angeles in a recession and jobs in Psychology scarce, Kathy became a saleswoman. People liked Kathy and she was successful. Katharina sold Aerospace connectors to executives in Europe and America. She worked hard on complex deals bringing together many people. In Kathy's last job before retirement, she designed and sold ads for local businesses which were then sent in a monthly mailer to Los Angeles homes. Kathy's clients loved her beautiful catchy ads, and they missed her in retirement. Eleven years ago, Kathy and Art retired to Idaho. They moved a block away from Katharina's beloved sister, Ellie, and her husband Barry. Katharina loved Filer, ID. and drove every day into Twin Falls to provision the household. Daily she would feed the squirrels in Twin Falls Park with Costco walnuts-only the best-Kathy said the squirrels' needed pure food, nuts not bread crumbs. Kathy was always helping people. When she drove by a needy person on the corner, she always gave something. Every holiday season she gifted the Filer Police, Fire Department, and City Employees with baskets of food and treats. Kathy gave Hershey's Chocolate Bars to children in the neighborhood, they always asked for her. Kathy loved little animals, especially cats. As a child, she slept with 2 cats-one at her head and one at her feet. If a stray cat came to the door, Kathy would lovingly feed and blanket the little one. At family events, Katharina was the photographer. She filmed everyone's best side and then put together photo albums which she mailed to family members. But Kathy didn't care to be photographed herself. While driving her little car, she loved listening to the Great Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli. Kathy loved beauty in all its forms. She was a kind, loving, and giving person who had compassion for all people. Kathy loved her family with all her heart. She protected everyone she loved. Tragically, her beautiful life ended on Thursday, January 12, 2023, after a prolonged sickness. We miss you, Katharina. We will love you forever with all of our hearts. Katharina is survived by her husband, Art, and her sister Ellie Butz of Meridian, Idaho. She will be greatly missed by her nephew Dave Shurtleff and his wife Mable, her nephew John Butz and his wife Rhonda, and sons Tyler and Reid. Cousin Viktor Von Mertens and his wife Vickie loved her very much. She is preceded in death by her parents Nina and Robert Reichert and by her, much-loved brother Felix Reichert We love you, Katharina