Kathleen G. Meyer, 88, of New Vienna, Iowa, passed away in her home surrounded by her family, on Saturday evening at 10:20 p.m., October 10, 2026.   Kathleen entered this life and celebrated her eternal life with Jesus on the same day.

Friends and relatives of Kathleen may call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Friends may also call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Kathleen on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m at St. Boniface Catholic Church in New Vienna, Iowa, with Rev. Noah Diehm officiating.  Burial will be held at St. Boniface Cemetery in New Vienna, Iowa.

Kathleen was born October 10, 1938 on a family farm in rural Luxemburg, Iowa, daughter of Hugo and Mathilda (Lake) Welling.  She was a 1956 graduate of the Holy Cross Catholic School, and recently celebrated her 70th class reunion on a float during the Holy Cross parade.

Kathleen met the love of her life, Merlin at a dance at Lakeside Ballroom in Guttenburg, Iowa.  On October 13, 1956, they were united in marriage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on June 22, 2019.

She was employed with MercyOne Senior Care as the Activity and Pastoral Care Coordinator, a job position she created, during the 35 1/2 years she was employed, she showed continual compassion for the needs of the residents.  Including numerous outings with the needs of the residents in mind.  Using her gift of heartfelt caring and compassion, with her creative ways to bring fun and enjoyment in each of their days.  Kathleen was also a dedicated lay minister.  She was an avid advocate of Right to Life.  Her strong Christian faith and beliefs were a motivation in her family life, with her friends, and with everyone she met showing them her unique charismatic flare.  She enjoyed spending time with family, her many travels, and flower gardens.  She also loved dining out and her favorite place to visit was Guttenberg, Iowa.   Kathleen’s father was born in Guttenberg where their family roots were.  She really enjoyed Banoffee Pie in Elkader where she was attracted to antiques, cookbooks, and finding special artworks, which she had framed and placed throughout her home.  She had a passion and a gift for poetry.  In her high school years, she submitted a poem “Snowy Nite”, which was selected by the National High School Poetry Association in Los Angeles, CA in January 1956.  Kathleen enjoyed and had a love of music, which she expressed by singing her favorite songs up until her last months, to including a German song which she shared with family frequently.

She is survived by seven children, Jean (Jim) Ward of Kempner, TX, Joan (Todd) Miller of Luther, OK, Daniel Meyer of New Vienna, IA, Marion (Rick) Kloser of Dyersville, Julie (Paul) Hunter of Hopkinton, Bill (Mary Kay) Meyer of Dubuque, and Kathy (Doug) Proctor of Dyersville; 19 grandchildren, Crystal (Bobby) Evans, Jimmy (Fallon) Ward, Stephanie (Tyler) Zieger, Moriah (Travor) Winfrey, Jourdan (Zach) Grimes, Ariel (Miles) Jones, Cara (Nate) Burkum, Eric (Vanessa) Kloser, Morgan (Jalen) Weyker, Andrew (Theresa) Birt, Allen (Korri) Birt, Daniel Hunter, Olivia Meyer (& friend, Bianca), Sadie Meyer (& friend, Wyatt), Meredith (Colin) Realbuto and Faye Meyer (& friend, Michael), Paul Proctor, Jonathan and Thomas (Macy) Proctor; and 26 great grandchildren; a brother, Walter (Judy) Welling of New Vienna; and a sister-in-law, Maribel Welling of Beetown, WI.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Alois Welling; her sister, Ilo; her father and mother-in-law, Leo and Alvina (Bries) Meyer; and two brothers-in law, Alvin (Dorothy) Meyer and Leo (Ginger) Meyer; and two sisters-in-laws, Darlene (Frank) O’Connor, and Mary Ann (Bob) Heinrichs.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com