Kathleen “Katie” R. Deutmeyer, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family.

Katie was born on February 3, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Reynold and Agnes (Mettille) Bettcher. She graduated from Wahlert High School in Dubuque.

She married Melvin Deutmeyer on June 22, 1963, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. Katie cherished the time she spent with her family and was incredibly proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed many years of boating and camping on the river with family and friends. Above all else, she cherished her family, finding joy in watching her loved ones grow through the generations.

Surviving are her children: Gwen (Gary) Bishop, Mitzi (Doug) May, Scott Deutmeyer, Jennifer (Dennis) Reiter, and Jim (Lori) Lown; 9 grandchildren, Zach (Anna) Swehla, Madison (Wade) Nash, Victoria (Spence) Bonner, Elle (Ian) Hart, Caroline (Adam) Sidlinger, Savanna Pierce, Madeline (Kody) Moehr, Amelia Artingstall, and Megan (Kain) Eagle; ten great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Roger “Buck” (Janice) Bettcher and Lester (Sue) Bettcher; her sister, Judy (Tom) Bauer; and her very special friend, Lennie Vaassen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Melvin; granddaughter, Alexis Deutmeyer; sisters, Dolores Correll, Loretta Williams, and Linda Bettcher; and brothers, Roy, Milton, Willy, and Clarence Bettcher.

In keeping with Katie’s outlook on life, she left behind these words:
“We come and we go, and it’s my turn to go. So don’t be sad. Be happy until it’s your turn to go.”

In lieu of flowers, a Kathleen R. Deutmeyer Memorial Fund has been established.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Salas and Kelly, Dr. Whalen and his staff, and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness, care, and compassion.