Clear Lake – Kathy Marie Wiele, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, surrounded by the love and devotion of her family.
A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 1st Ave. N Clear Lake, IA 50428, with Mark Doebel officiating. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held so attendees may share memories and refreshments. Inurnment will occur at a later date at Clear Lake Cemetery.
Kathy was born on October 18, 1947, in Mason City, Iowa, to James and Carole (Molencamp) Buck. She graduated from Clear Lake High School with the Class of 1965 and soon after moved to San Diego, California—where her life changed forever. There, she met Keith Wiele, the love of her life, and they were married on May 26, 1967. They celebrated 58 beautiful years together this past May, a lifetime filled with love, laughter, travel, and unwavering care. Their honeymoon was spent at Disneyland, the perfect start to a marriage filled with adventure and devotion.
Keith and Kathy shared a rare kind of bond. Keith took care of Kathy in every way, never letting her lift a finger, and Kathy cherished and adored him for it. Their partnership was a shining example of true love, and their home was always warm with kindness and laughter.
Together, they raised two daughters, Niki and Kim. Kathy was a devoted and creative mother—she made her daughters’ clothes, stitched outfits for their Barbies, and somehow always gave them the perfect hair part. She had a sharp wit, a gift for humor, and a way to make every day and occasion special.
Kathy’s professional path included work with the Culver City Unified School District before beginning a career as an operational support technician with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where she remained until her retirement in 2011. That same year, she and Keith returned to Clear Lake to be closer to family.
Kathy had a passion for baking and was known for her famous chocolate chip cookies, peach pies, and homemade strawberry jam. She loved watching Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, and was excited for the new seasons of Tracker and Matlock and never missed a good mystery novel or cooking competition show. She also loved shopping—especially for clothes at Macy’s.
Christmas was her favorite time of year. She loved cooking for the family (and everyone loved eating her food), but more than anything, she loved gathering everyone together. She poured her heart into every holiday, every birthday, every Easter basket and Christmas stocking—especially for her grandchildren Brittney, Anna, and Cole. She always stayed up to date with their lives because she truly cared—with her whole heart.
Kathy was a strong woman, a quiet fighter who faced every challenge with resilience. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend to many. Her sense of humor, her love, and her homemade sweets will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Keith Wiele of Clear Lake; daughters, Niki (Mike) Wells of Clear Lake, IA and Kim (Adam) White of Henderson, NV; grandchildren, Brittney (Dexter) Sommerfeldt of Huxley, IA, Anna (Mason) Maviglia and Cole White of Henderson, NV; siblings, Wendy Watt of Milford, IA, Jim (Sheri) Buck of Simonton, TX, Betsy (Tim) Holden of Clear Lake, Joe Buck of Waterloo, IA; brother-in-law, Keith Mastre of Milford, IA; uncle, Larry Molencamp; aunt, Sharon Quintus of Ventura, IA; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Carole Buck; sister, Susan Mastre; brothers-in-law, Jim Watt and Jerry Bartleson; and sister-in-law, Brenda Buck.
Kathy’s legacy is one of fierce love, humor, and a home where everyone was welcome and well-fed. She will be dearly missed.
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