Kathy Wallerstedt

May 09, 2011

Service Details

Kathy Jane Wallerstedt, 52, of Des Moines, IA, left this life on May 9, 2011, and entered heaven to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Mercy Hospice, Johnston, IA. She passed away from complications of diabetes and stroke. A double memorial service will be held at First Federated Church on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 10:00am, for Kathy and her Mother, Patricia “Pat” Louise (Byers) Wallerstedt, who also met her Lord on May 20, 2011, after suffering a stroke. After a light lunch, family and friends will meet at McLaren’s Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines for Pat’s burial, and then will travel to Union Cemetery in Boxholm, IA for Kathy’s burial. Visitation for both Kathy and Pat will be on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.

Kathy was born to W. Kenneth “Ken” Wallerstedt and Patricia “Pat” Louise (Byers) Wallerstedt on March 23, 1959, in Des Moines, IA. She graduated from Hoover High School in 1976. After attending Asbury College in KY, she graduated from Iowa State University with a B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing Major. Following graduation her work included employment at Business Data Processing, Type-O-Graphics Two, Rex and Karen Voegtlin, Preferred Risk Mutual Insurance Group, and Dataserve. In 1991 she was employed by Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Johnston working in Marketing Services, Technology Integration Services and as a Documents Specialist in the Engineering Department. She continued with Pioneer until the spring of 2010.

Kathy became a Christ-follower at a young age in Vacation Bible School at First Federated Church, where she was a lifelong member. She was active in singles ministry, praise and worship music, communications and web design. Many people benefitted from her computer training and consultation services. She led worship for the New Community Singles at First Federated for several years. She actively supported the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Central Iowa and was instrumental in the promotion of Meals for the Heartland at Pioneer. She facilitated the Johnston Historical Society in relocating the Simpson farm home and barn – a home in which she lived for several years. She helped establish the Pioneer Christian Fellowship at Pioneer Hi-Bred and participated in and led many Bible studies, including the Anne Graham Lotz study, “Just Give Me Jesus.” Kathy was active in supporting missions, and helped to spearhead the Hurricane Katrina fundraiser at First Federated. She had a compassionate heart for people and spent much time helping others in spite of her physical limitations. At one point she coordinated over 100 volunteers to help with in-home-care for the Finer quintuplets. She was a model of hope, perseverance and inspiration to many, despite her numerous physical challenges. Her family and friends will forever remember her infectious laughter, thoughtful ways, energetic spirit and love for Jesus.

Kathy is survived by her parents, Ken and Pat Wallerstedt (Pat then passed away on May 20, 2011); one brother, Steve (Sherrie) Wallerstedt of Des Moines, IA; two sisters, Karen (Rex) Voegtlin of Earlham, IA, and Karla (Jeff) Taber of Windom, MN; one nephew, Josh (Jessica) Taber of Colorado Springs, CO; four nieces, Bethany (Dave) Stillwell of San Antonio, TX, and Sarah, Rachel, and Jessah Taber, all of Windom, MN; and one great-niece, Rebekah Stillwell of San Antonio, TX. She was preceded in death by her niece, Christina Wallerstedt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Des Moines Christian School Scholarship Fund, or to First Federated Church / Missions Dept, or to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
or on Facebook at “In Memory of Kathy Wallerstedt.”

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