Kathryn 'Kathy' Lynn Wintermeyer

KATHRYN "KATHY" LYNN WINTERMEYER

Mount Pleasant

Kathryn "Kathy" Lynn Wintermeyer died peacefully on January 22, 2022, in her rural Mt. Pleasant home surrounded by family. She was born Kathryn Lynn Blodgett on August 3, 1957, to Max D. and Wilma Elaine (Bodkins) Blodgett, the fourth of seven living children. She loved her parents and siblings fiercely, and even though she got locked in the horse trailer that one time, she had a very happy childhood. She graduated from Highland High School in 1976 and looked "dang darn good" in bell bottoms. On May 21, 1977, she donned a gauzy white dress and wide straw hat to marry William "Ed" Wintermeyer in Ainsworth, Iowa; they held hands for the next 44 years, right up to Kathy's final moments. They raised three children: Elicia Lynn, William Max and Kaitlyn Marie, who fondly remember their mom zipping them into footie pajamas after bath time, giving their hands 3 squeezes for "I love you," and always making Christmas magical.

Kathy honed the art of the workplace prank in her years at Motorola in Mt. Pleasant. She bravely answered opportunity's knock by enrolling at Kirkwood Community College when she was 47. After surviving the embarrassment of wearing mismatched shoes on her first day as "the old lady" on campus, she went on to graduate and worked as a medical coder at Great River Medical Center and later Ft. Madison Community Hospital. Throughout her career, she was known for her wicked sense of humor, her not-so-secret chocolate stash, and her caring heart.

Kathy's charisma was magnetic; she attracted the kindest of people and turned them into lifelong friends. She cherished her friendships with coworkers and the group of women she referred to as "her people." She loved adventures with her husband, kids, "grands," sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. Those lucky enough to take a road trip with Kathy know that speed limits are rarely enforced, and that a good laugh around a hotel pool can heal the soul.

Kathy relished time spent with her sisters, brothers and extended family for holidays, reunions and coffee time. She never actually threw a punch for the chance to be the first to hold a new baby, but then again, no-one in the family was brave enough to challenge her and find out for sure.

Kathy's grandkids brought joy to her life, and she to theirs. They will remember "Nanny" as a cut-throat go-kart racer, a singer of silly songs, and their best ally in gaining parent buy-in for sugary treats, late bedtimes and teenage nose piercings.

Those who'll one day be greeted with a warm "woohoo!" from Kathy on the other side include her devoted husband, Ed; children, Elicia Wintermeyer, Will (Tyson) Wintermeyer and Kaitlyn Wintermeyer Love; "curly girly" granddaughters, Stevey and Kaiya Wintermeyer; grandsons, Garrett Wintermeyer, Lawson Love and Isaac Love; sisters, Sharry Miller, Norma Paisley, Sandy (David) Custer and Karen (Roger) Slemmons; brothers, Richard (Tammy) Blodgett and Roger (Carol) Blodgett; special sister-in-law, Diane Blodgett; and countless nieces, nephews, in-laws and special friends.

Kathy flew on eagles' wings to join loved ones who went before her: her parents, Max and Wilma Blodgett; mother-and father-in-law, Bill and Mary Wintermeyer; brothers-in-law, Kenny Paisley and Larry Miller; and a baby boy lost in pregnancy.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral Home in Winfield. Following the service, internment of cremains will take place at Oregon Township Cemetery in Ainsworth, followed by a light luncheon at the Ainsworth Community Opera House. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, at Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral Home in Winfield. Kathy would be heartbroken if a friend or family member became ill by attending her service. In her honor, the family asks that those in attendance wear an appropriate face covering. Services will be recorded and made available online for those unable to attend in person. A general memorial has been established to assist with unmet needs for students in the W-MU, HLV, New London, and Washington school districts. Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.