Kathleen Gingerich

A celebration of life for Kathy Gingerich, age 68, of Walford will be held Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Services will be at the Kalona United Methodist Church with Pastor Gerry Kahler officiating. Burial will be in the National Cemetery in Vining, Iowa at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 27 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Kalona United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society, and Palliative Care Center at UIHC. Kathy Gingerich died Sunday, April 24, 2016 at the University of Iowa Hospital from complications of AML (leukemia).

Kathleen Kay Gingerich was born March 2, 1948 in rural Elberon, Iowa, the daughter of Wilfred and Emma (Vileta) Homolar. She attended York #1 country school near Elberon, and Toledo and graduated Van Horn. She later attended nurses training at NIACC near Mason City to become an LPN. She was a Coronary Intensive Care nurse at Schoitz Hospital in Waterloo and opened Yore Uniform Store with several of her colleagues. She and one partner formed K Jean’s Uniform Store in Cedar Rapids. She went on to buy out her partner and open several locations in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. She married Clarence Gingerich July 30, 1983. After selling the uniform stores, she went back to nursing at the Kalona nursing home and had several other fun jobs during retirement. She never wanted to be too tied to a job to let it interfere with being “Babi” which is Czech for Grandma. She also enjoyed two trips to Europe to visit her niece and family.

Kathy is survived by her two daughters, Karla (Bob) Hoppes of Waterloo, IA and Jessica (Brett) Maurer of Walford, IA, five grandchildren, Jake, Maya and Brady Hoppes and Brodie and Caden Maurer, two sisters Karen Walton of Farmington, Iowa and Jan (Dick) Pooley of Cedar Rapids, five nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews and step-son Doyle Gingerich. Preceding Kathy in death were her parents, husband, nephew David Walton, and great-niece Rachael Walton.

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I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. I hope that the memories of your time together can be a comfort to you, Jess. May the love of God, family and friends also be a comfort to you at this very difficult time.Thinking of you all. Hugs and prayers--Ali Santoiemma

Allison Santoiemma Apr 26 2016 12:00 AM

Rest in peace Kathy.You were such a sweet and caring person.I will always remember your pretty smile.Karla, Jessica and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort at this sad time.She is at peace with our Lord now, and you will all see her again in Heaven.

BrendaWhiteside Apr 25 2016 12:00 AM

Much sympathy to this family. The neighborhood will not be the same without Kathy's smiling face.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Sherayl Brown Apr 25 2016 12:00 AM