Kathleen Sue Dell

Kathie was born on April 22, 1959, in Davenport, Iowa, to Madeleine (Dessert) and Isidore Gaul. She graduated from Central High School in Davenport, IA. She attended Marycrest College in Davenport, IA, then transferred to University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1982. She attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA where she worked on a Masters of Public Administration in 1994. She attended Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions where she completed a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy in 2017. She dedicated 42 years to a career as an Occupational Therapist. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to excellence earned her recognition at both the state and national levels. In 1995, she was honored as Iowa's Occupational Therapist of the Year, an achievement that reflected the compassion, skill, and dedication she brought to every patient and colleague.

On June 3, 1978, Kathie married the love of her life, Terry Dell. Together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, laughter, family, and lasting friendships.

Outside of her profession, Kathie found joy in playing softball, golfing, gardening, creating crafts, relaxing by the pool, going to Kansas City Chiefs games and Iowa Hawkeye games, taking family vacations, watching her grandchildren’s events, and spending time with those she loved most. Whether surrounded by family or friends, she had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and valued. Her kindness, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love touched countless lives, and her legacy will live on in the many people she inspired.

Kathie is survived by her devoted husband, Terry Dell; her son, Nick Dell and his wife, Meghan, and children, Evan, Grayson, and Cole; her daughter, Kara (Dell) Sterago and her husband, Tony, and children, Madeleine and Ryder; her sisters, Judy, Pat, and Joyce; her brother, Jim; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Madeleine and Isidore, and her sister, Char.

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Thursday July 9, 2026, at the Runge Mortuary & Crematory, with a prayer service at 6:00pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00am Friday July 10, 2026, at Sacred Heart Cathedral Davenport, there will be visitation one hour prior at the church Friday. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery Rock Island, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the University of Iowa Cancer Research. Donations may be made through givetoiowa.org by selecting Neuroendocrine Tumor Research as the area to support.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Kathie's medical teams at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the compassionate staff of Heartland Hospice, and the many family members and friends whose love, care, and support meant so much throughout her journey. Kathie's greatest accomplishment was not the awards she earned, but the love she gave so freely to her family, friends, patients, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.