Kathleen M. Muff, 81 of Nora Springs passed away peacefully surrounded by family Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Nora Springs Care Center. It was a beautiful day to go to Heaven.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th Street SE, Mason City, IA with Rev. Ben Valentine, celebrant.
She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Ron, at Park Cemetery, Nora Springs, IA.
Visitation will be 5:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA with a Scriptural Wake Service at 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Epiphany Parish, Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank or KCMR in Kathy’s honor.
Kathleen M. was born August 27, 1942 in Lincoln, NE the daughter of Peter and Ruth (Volkmer) Stander. Growing up in Nebraska, she attended high school in Ashland, NE and later attended St. Mary’s College in Omaha. On February 11, 1961 she was united in marriage to Ronald J. Muff at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ashland, Nebraska. Later that year Ron and Kathy bought their farm outside of Nora Springs, Iowa where they farmed for over 47 years. Their marriage was blessed with eight children: Larry, Lori, Brenda, Marlene, Barbara, Nancy, Karen and Cindy.
She was a longtime member of Epiphany Parish St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as a eucharistic minister and in many other capacities over the years.
Kathy’s spirit was a beacon of love and service. Her days were filled with acts of generosity, from delivering Meals on Wheels, serving as the President of the Music Mothers and leading 4H, to organizing blood drives in Nora Springs. With a nurturing touch, she brought comfort to the residents of the Nora Springs Care Center, serving communion and playing weekly BINGO. Yet, amidst her busy days, Kathy found joy in the simple pleasures: quilting, canning, playing cards and baking, especially her famous cookies. Her table was always ready for guests, a warm place where all were welcome, and none went hungry. As autumn embraced the family farm, Kathy looked forward to time in the combine, a sanctuary of sorts, and enjoyed preserving the garden’s harvest. Her legacy of love, kindness and hospitality will continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Kathy is survived by her children, Larry Muff of New Richland, MN, Lori (Steve) Mestad of Grimes, Brenda (Peter) Wicks of Adel, Marlene (Craig) Hestness of Mason City, Nancy (David) Ortega of Altoona, Karen (Michael) Forthmann of Mason City, and Cindy (Mitch) Clefisch of Polk City; nineteen beloved grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister, Mary McFerrin of Longmont, CO; brothers, Chuck Stander and Steve (Pat) Stander; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Ron; a daughter in infancy, Barbara Kay; parents; sister, Carol Wells and brother, Frank (Carol) Stander.
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