Obituary of Katharina Zaifert

Katharina M. "Karin" Zaifert Allegany, NY Katharina M. "Karin" Zaifert of 3974 Route 417 Lot 73 passed away peacefully Wednesday (April 17, 2013) in her home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born April 24, 1950 in Langenlonsheim, Germany she was the daughter of Josef and Elizabeth Fuhr Berg. Karin was raised in Germany and moved to the United States in 1968, later settling in the Olean area where she worked for Reid's Food Barn for many years. She also was employed as a care giver for the ReHabilitation Center. Always a hard worker, she was a social member of the Allegany American Legion where she formerly had been a part time employee. She enjoyed crocheting and making trips to the casino. Surviving are four children Michelle (Eric) Johnson of Soddy Daisy, TN, Mark Zaifert of Ransomville, Melanie (Gregory) Gergel of Olean and Katharina Pilon of Olean; eight grandchildren Heather Kuffrey, Nikki Zaifert, Travis Johnson, Chelsea Gergel, Aaron Pilon, Alexis Gergel, Matthew Zaifert and Evan Pilon; four great grandchildren Maddi Smith, Shane Kuffrey, Alyson Smith and Harper Kuffrey; one brother Reiner Berg of Germany; a sister-in-law Christa Berg of Germany and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her best friend of many years Patricia Studd of Allegany and her children Michelle, Leslie and Wendy as well as their children Emma, Bethany, Benjamin, Virginia and Joshua. She was predeceased by a brother Ludwig Berg. Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Saturday (April 20, 2013) from 10:30am until 11:30am. A service will begin at 11:30am in the funeral home, followed by a luncheon being served at the Allegany American Legion at 12:30. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to The ReHabilitation Center 1439 Buffalo Street Olean, NY 14760.