Katherine Plaehn Obituary

Katherine Joanne Plaehn MT. PLEASANT - Katherine Joanne Plaehn (Jo), 99, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023 surrounded by her 3 loving children. Jo was born on April 11, 1924 in Mount Ayr, Iowa; one of five children of (the late) Gladys (Barlow) and Arlo N. Moore. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Arlo and Gladys Moore, her husband, Chuck, her brother, Phil Moore and sisters, Sue Hogshead and Jane Mochal. Jo is survived by her youngest sister, Marilyn, a daughter, Karen and sons, Mark (Janet), Jeff and 1 granddaughter, Natalie. Jo graduated from Dike High School in 1941, was a cheerleader and sang soprano in the school chorus. After High School, she was offered a Scholarship to the Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Instead, she graduated from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. On October 17, 1942, she married her childhood sweetheart. Chuck was in Officers Training School studying to become a pilot. In 1945, Chuck finished his enlistment and they returned to Iowa. Their home was open to many visitors and known as "The Plaehn Hotel". In 1952, Chuck was recalled to service. They were stationed in Memphis, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alaska and Greenville. In 1959, She and a friend toured Europe while Chuck was stationed in Germany. In 1963, while stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Jo served as President of the Officer's Wives Club. In 1967, they moved to Charleston. Charleston Air Force Base hosted a fashion show, where Jo met Blossom Krawcheck, owner of Jack Krawcheck Women's Companion Shop. Eventually Jo became a partner of this elite store known on King Street. Many Charleston women were assisted by Jo to select the perfect dress for their special occasion. When Jo retired at age 75, she assisted her Pastor, Phil Bryant with weddings at The Huguenot Church. She and Chuck loved their church, were active members and served as Elders. Always energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about everything; Jo and Chuck were also active members of the Gibbes Museum. They were married for 52 years. At age 75, she took up oil painting. Jo discovered her "Brush" while studying with well-known artist, Bill Jamieson. She traveled to Provence and Tuscany with artist friends, Joan Davis and Keith Maxwell. Her family cherishes the watercolor Keith painted of her on one of these trips. Jo will be remembered affectionately by her many close friends, family and caregivers for her warmth, loving way and wonderful sense of humor. Saturday, January 6, at 10:30 there will be a private burial for family at Jo's gravesite at the French Huguenot Church. Directly following at 11:00, there will be a Celebration of Life Service for friends and family at the Church, with a reception following at 44 Queen Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Huguenot Church Outreach Fund, PO Box 917, Charleston, SC 29401; The Confederate Home for Women, 62 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401; or Tri County Veteran Support Network, 323 Savannah River Drive, Summerville, SC 29485. (Both Chuck and Jeff are veterans) or the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at palmettocs.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Palmetto Cremation Society, 5638 N. Rhett Ave., Charleston, SC 29406.