Kathy Ann Uhlenhake's Obituary
Kathleen Ann Uhlenhake, age 80, of Moravia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Centerville.
Kathy was born on April 3, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Joe Frumkin and Ruth Goodman. She grew up in Toledo and upon high school graduation, attended the University of Toledo and earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Economics. Subsequently, Kathy taught Spanish for the Peoria Illinois School District and traveled extensively, living in both Switzerland and South Africa before settling down in southern Iowa. During this period of her life, two children were born, Jeff and Joanne.
Throughout her life, Kathy was a devoted educator. In the early 80s, Kathy moved to Centerville, Iowa, and began her beloved association with Moravia, Iowa, serving as a Spanish and Economics teacher at Moravia High School for fifteen years. She then earned a master's degree in counseling from Truman State University and served as the librarian at Centerville High School from where she retired (for the first time!). Unable to stay away from teaching, she served as counselor and librarian for the Moulton-Udell school for several years before finally retiring for the last time. She was especially proud of her work automating the Moulton-Udell school library system.
She married her beloved husband and best friend Mark Uhlenhake in 1983. As a result of this union, she gained six children - Paula, Lee, Jess, Clay, Reed, and John. Mark and Kathy added son Jake to the Uhlenhake family in 1986. Kathy and Mark would remain together until Mark's passing in February 2024.
Kathy loved the simplicity of life in rural Moravia and the surrounding community. She and Mark were actively involved with the Moravia Historical Society, and worked on several projects together including the Wabash Depot, the former Methodist Episcopal Church and a summer kitchen and outhouse. Kathy was also active in Ruritan and the Moravia Library Board. Kathy also loved quilting as her grandchildren can attest. - She made each of these quilts specifically crafted to the individual personalities, hobbies, and interests of the intended recipient. Kathy loved to find unique and personalized gifts for everyone at the holidays. She oversaw the ever-contentious annual Uhlenhake gift exchange drawing with the wisdom of Solomon. Her kitchen table hosted many family dinners and game nights over the years. It also provided a front row seat to the birds feeding in front of the house every morning. A cup of coffee and her homemade bread were all you needed to enjoy life.
Left to honor Kathy's memory are her sister Sally Criss, children, Jeff (Jennifer) Toney, Joanne (Judd) DeVille, Jake, Paula, Jess (Tammy), Clay (Christi), Reed (Melanie), John (Leslie), her grandchildren, John, Alex & Sam Toney, Jay & Brooks DeVille, Neil, Logan, Sterling, Chase, Adam, Ty, & Sawyer Uhlenhake, Ian Bosley, and great grandson, Teddy Uhlenhake, as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Mark, parents, Joe Frumkin and Ruth Goodman, and stepson, Lee Uhlenhake.
Pallbearers: Jeff Toney, Jake Uhlenhake, Jess Uhlenhake, Clay Uhlenhake, John Uhlenhake, and Judd DeVilleHonorary Pallbearers: Grandchildren John, Alex, and Sam Toney, Jay & Brooks DeVille, Neil, Logan, Sterling, Chase, Adam, Ty, & Sawyer Uhlenhake, Ian Bosley, and great-grandson Teddy Uhlenhake.
Visitation will be at the Funeral Home in Moravia, 103 North John Street, on Saturday, August 31, from 12pm-2pm, followed by a Funeral service at 2pm. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia. Memorials may be made to either the Moravia Historical Society or Moravia Public Library, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Uhlenhake family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathy?
Share a story where Kathy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathy you’ll never forget.
How did Kathy make you smile?