Cathy J. Durkop, 73, of Delmar, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Maquoketa, IA surrounded by her loving family.

Cathy Jean Feisel was born on August 7, 1951 in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Mason and Barbara (Strellner) Feisel. A graduate of South Tama High School in 1969, Cathy’s love for learning led her to the University of Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1973. Her passion for education continued to flourish, and in 2005, she achieved her master’s in teaching with technology from The Franciscan University.

On June 28, 1975, Cathy married the love of her life, James Milton “Jim” Durkop, in Tama, Iowa. Their union was one of mutual respect, deep affection, and shared values. Together, they built a family and a legacy of love that would endure through their children and grandchildren. Cathy was a devoted mother, not only to her own children but to every child she taught during her 42-year tenure as a first-grade teacher at Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa.

Cathy’s professional life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her students and her colleagues. As a member of the Iowa State Education Association and the Maquoketa Education Association, she advocated the importance of quality education. Her involvement with the Jackson County Retired Teachers Association and the Jackson County Public Hospital Ladies Auxiliary further reflected her dedication to her community.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member at the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa. As the Head of Education and a Sunday School teacher, Cathy touched the lives of many, imparting lessons of love, kindness, and faith.

Cathy found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as reading, watching Hallmark movies, and attending her grandchildren’s events. Above all, she cherished her role as Nana, a title that brought her immense pride and happiness.

Cathy’s memory will be honored by her children, Jamie Durkop of Davenport, IA, Jason (and girlfriend Adriane McClintock) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jessica (and fiancé Austin DeMoss) of Delmar, IA, and Jillian (and husband Erik) Rockwell of Maquoketa, IA. Her legacy will live on through her four grandchildren, Clara, Ella, Arthur, and Campbell. She also leaves behind her siblings, Susan Feisel of Tama, IA, and Jeff Feisel of Toledo, IA; her aunt, Nancy Hanson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and her in-laws, Larry and Jan Durkop of Galena, OH.  Cathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James, her son Joshua, and her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, and again Monday, May 6, 2025, at First Lutheran Church from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Burial will be at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Cathy J. Durkop memorial fund has been established.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.