Kathryn Ann Callahan, 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Mercy One Medical Center in West Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.
Kathryn was born March 17, 1937 in Clarinda, IA to Stanley and Selma Forst. She graduated from the University of Iowa’s College of Education in 1959. She married her high school sweetheart, Dennis A. May on August 24, 1956 in Clarinda, IA. They were stationed in many military locations early in their marriage and then settled in West Des Moines in 1965. In April of 1966, Dennis, a U.S. Army Captain, was killed during a flight mission while serving in Vietnam.
Kathryn married Richard R. Callahan on July 3, 1969 and together they lived in Des Moines while raising five children. She taught elementary school in the West Des Moines School District. Her second career was at the P.E.O. International Office on Grand Avenue in Des Moines where she retired as the Assistant Treasurer in 1998.
Kathryn was a faithful servant, loving, generous friend, mother, and grandmother. She took pleasure in teaching, directing, and playing bridge (Ruby Life Master). Her love of traveling allowed her to explore most of the world. She enjoyed watching sports and loved following any team that her children or grandchildren supported. Kathryn also enjoyed puzzles, attending the Iowa State Fair, playing games and cards, gardening, and any time she spent with family and friends. She was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines. Kathryn was also a 50-year member of P.E.O. and served several terms as President and as officer in other capacities for chapter EH.
Kathryn is survived by her five children, Dr. Richard (Stacey) Callahan, Kathleen Callahan (Robert Hunchberger), David (Anne) May, Denise (Larry) Gioffredi, and Brian (Michelle) Callahan; eleven grandchildren, Travis Phillips, Brittnie Harris, Sarah Garcia, Amanda Farland, Jenna Nobile, Alan Ridgway, Cecilia May, Ashley Ridgway, Andrew Gioffredi, Dennis May, and Daniel May; and six great-grandchildren, Quincie Garcia, Cohen Harris, Evan Harris, Karbon Noble, Kannon Noble, and Lanie Farland.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or the P.E.O. Foundation.
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