Katherine A. Klipfel

Katherine Ann (LaGrave) Klipfel, 73, passed away April 8, 2022, after a heroic battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a short memorial service at 5 p.m.

Kathy was born on April 3, 1949, to Ed and Shirley LaGrave. She and her older sister, Linda, had an ideal childhood in Windsor Heights, Iowa. Their family loved traveling and spending time together. Ed’s advertising agency afforded them lots of opportunities to experience life outside of Iowa. They also loved spending time in Okoboji water skiing and enjoying the luxuries that “lake life” affords.

In 1968, Kathy met the love of her life, Ron Klipfel, while attending the University of South Dakota. Kathy, who was a Kappa Alpha Theta and Ron, a Delta Tau Delta, enjoyed Strollers (a dancing variety show) and socializing with their many friends. Ron “courted” her for some time and knew once he was leaving for service in Vietnam, he wanted to ensure she would “wait” for him and proposed on a walk along their favorite park. They were married the summer of 1969. For several years after, they lived all over the country while Ron served in the military. They made friends wherever they went.

Kathy loved to participate in charitable and community organizations. She was active in the alumni group with Kappa Alpha Theta, was a member in Junior League and P.E.O. and served as a Deacon at Plymouth Church. Kathy’s favorite place to unwind and spend time with family and friends was Lake Okoboji. She loved sharing her happy place with everyone and hosted several friends and family there over the years.

The greatest calling in Kathy’s life, outside of serving as the matriarch of her family, was her work with children. Her first job in this field with was Patricia Park Preschool which fed her desire to inspire and teach young children. Kathy made the hard decision to leave Patricia Parks in 1992 to start her own preschool business in her home. She created an incredibly special place for families who entrusted her with their most precious “assets” and became somewhat of a sensation with a waitlist to boot. Her pride and joy was creating long lasting relationships with her preschoolers and their families who continue to keep in touch with her. Kathy’s legacy can be found and seen in each of her students whom she loved so very much. In addition to teaching, Kathy loved to golf, attend her grandchildren’s activities, listen to anything by James Taylor and Frank Sinatra, attend live theater events and travel. She is best described as someone who has never met a stranger. She loved learning about others and was a great friend to all.

Kathy is survived by many loving relatives, including her husband, Ron, and their children, Carrie Connett (Brian), Brian Klipfel (Marcy), Molly Reif (Brant); sister, Linda Balogh (Doug); niece, Kristy Sidlar (David); and nephew, Marty Balogh. She was also blessed with grandchildren, Max Reif, Aubrey Klipfel, Noah Reif and Chaney Klipfel. Puppy Bailey also brought great joy to Kathy.

Kathy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Arbor Springs who took such great care of her in her last few years. Memorials may be directed to Arbor Springs of West Des Moines, 7951 EP True Parkway, WDM 50266 or Des Moines Performing Arts (https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/donate/).