Kathleen J. "Kay" Compiano

Des Moines

Kathleen J. “Kay” Compiano, known to one and all as “Kay” of Johnny and Kay’s Restaurant, died peacefully on July 24, 2016 from complications following a stroke, just short of her 96th birthday. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at McLaren’s Chapel with entombment in Resthaven Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. rosary service at McLaren’s Chapel.

Kay was born Kathleen Jane Volz on August 1, 1920 in Winner, South Dakota to Freda and Charles Volz. The family relocated to Des Moines where they raised Kay and her three brothers, Bob, Bill and Don Volz in Highland Park.

After graduating from North High in 1938, Kay met her husband of 42 years, Johnny Compiano, at the Hotel Kirkwood where she played the piano in the lounge and Johnny worked as a bell hop. In 1946, the couple opened Johnny and Kay’s restaurant, a one room restaurant and bar accommodating 32 people which grew to become an Iowa landmark restaurant/hotel complex, with 9 dining rooms, seating 450 people. Kay’s business acumen and her uncanny ability to connect with people were apparent throughout the growth of Johnny and Kay’s and in other successful ventures undertaken by the couple.

Kay was well-known throughout Des Moines as a gifted piano player, at Johnny and Kay’s Lounge and Victorian Room, where she would take as many as 100 requests for songs per evening, then continuing into her 90‘s, as she delighted residents of nursing homes and hospitals with her guest appearances.

Family was a priority and passion for this generous, loving and caring woman. Her family appreciated her steadfast support, kindness, and healthy sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers; and her husband Johnny. Survivors include her three children, Jonann (Terry) Larson of Minneapolis, Tom (Pam) Compiano of West Des Moines, and Mary (Tom) Taylor of Seattle; her grandchildren, Merritt, Kelly, Jody, Katherine, Christy, Kerry, Lindsay, Tommy, Matthew and John; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Danny Volz or to a charity of choice.