Kathleen Kay (Klumpar) Martin

Kathleen Kay (Klumpar) Martin

Cedar Rapids

Kathleen Kay (Klumpar) Martin of Cedar Rapids died on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Per her wishes, there will be no service.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Linda (Steve) Kappler; three granddaughters, Hannah Andersen, Kylie Tichy and Kyle (Dan) Kunz; three great-grandchildren, Sylas, Griffin and Karter; sister, Percy (Jim) Caviness; and special friend Bob Vanous.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Irving F. Martin Jr.; her son, Richard L. Martin; and parents, Vera and George Klumpar.

Kathy was born on Oct. 3, 1942, in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1960. Kathy married her high school sweetheart on May 4, 1963. Kathy graduated from St Luke’s school of nursing and spent her career as a nurse in the Cedar Rapids area. She worked for several years with the family practice of Dr. Estes and retired from PCI in 2005.

Kathy loved being outside, she rode her first RAGBRAI at the age of 50. She camped and rafted down the Colorado River twice. She and Irv camped across the United States, especially enjoying the east coast. She wasn’t scared to take on any adventure that came her way. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to “live, laugh, love.” Her granddaughters have many fun and crazy stories of their classy yet humble Nana.

Nana was very proud of her grandchildren. She spent many hours at softball and volleyball games with her “calcium” in tow. She was known to keep score at softball games with rocks. She was the glue that held the family together and was always there for the family and never gave up hope. She will always be remembered for her group hugs. In her later years she loved to go out to eat and then dance with Bob. Thank you, Bob, for spending time with mom and taking good care of her. She was much loved.