Kathryn Rickert

Kathryn L. Rickert, 85, of Reinbeck, Iowa, died Thursday, April 22, 2010, at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa. Funeral services were held on, Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Union Congregational United Church of Christ Church in Reinbeck, Iowa, with Pastor Joel Love officiating. Burial followed at the Reinbeck Cemetery in Reinbeck. Kay grew up in Marshalltown during the depression era , an exceptional student who went to Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) for a teaching degree. She married James B. Rickert in 1950 and became indoctrinated in life as a farmer while still teaching. They were blessed with 4 children , Sandra (Moore), Terri (Sanderson), James H., and Tami (Geer). Kay returned to UNI to complete advanced studies in Special Education which became the hallmark of her professional life. After her husband, Jim, was killed in a farming accident in 1973, Kay further focused her energies on parenting and grand-parenting. Kay was active in her church, her community and especially with the schools in which her children and grandchildren attended. She adored her friends and enjoyed conversation, cards, ceramics, gardening, cooking, canning and giving gifts. She loved celebrations. For many years, Kay oversaw the care of her sister, Joan, who succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease in 2001. Kay developed cognitive impairment and dementia which was recognized as Alzheimer's Disease. She spent the last several years in the loving care of the staff at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa, where she passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010, with her family at her side. Kay is survived by her much-loved children, grandchildren and great-grandson. The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude for the caring support that has been extended to Kay over the years including family, friends, neighbors, church members,the nursing home staff and the entire community. Kay's life was much better because of you.. The family requests any memorial be made to the Minnesota Medical Foundation for research at the U of MN targeted at the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease; please indicate the following as the recipient: Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care / Kay Rickert Memorial- And send to: Minnesota Medical Foundation PO Box 64001 St. Paul, MN 55164-0001