| Kathy Zumbach |
 Kathy Zumbach, age 76, of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Naples, Florida, died on June 19, 2026, from cancer.
Born on May 3, 1950, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Bob and Esther (Langskov) Case, Kathy grew up in nearby La Porte City. She filled her days with school activities, fun with friends, and being an advocate for her younger brother, Michael. She graduated from La Porte City High School in 1968.
Kathy attended Iowa State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and ISU’s pom squad. Her relationship with Steve Zumbach, whom she had met on a high school blind date, flourished while at Iowa State. In 1971, Steve and Kathy were married, launching a life partnership of more than 50 years. She continued her education in a postgraduate program at the University of Iowa, earning a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the Wendell Johnson School of Speech Pathology.
Kathy’s career as a speech pathologist was through the Area Education Agency. After becoming a mother to Stephanie and Matt, she shifted her focus to family life.
As an engaged community member, Kathy served as a docent for the Des Moines Art Center and as a volunteer for the Talking Canvas program in the West Des Moines school district. Kathy was also active in the Junior League of Des Moines and the League of Attorneys’ Wives. She chaired events for the Iowa Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and was recognized by the National Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America for her dedication and leadership. She also helped to lead fundraising efforts for United Way of Central Iowa and Iowa State University. Her last community service was as Co-Chair of the ISU Forever True Capital Campaign for Iowa State University, with her husband, Steve, which raised over $1.5 billion.
During their years of marriage, Kathy and Steve loved gathering with friends at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they spent summer days plying the waters on their boat, Carpe Diem. And in later years, they spent their winters at home in sunny Naples, Florida, where they shared good times with friends, both old and new.
Kathy fully embraced life and was always ready for an afternoon of mahjong, bridge, tennis, or pickleball (until a wrist fracture ended her love for that sport). She was also a founding member of her beloved book club, The Rebounders, a group that has been in existence for more than 25 years.
Hallmarks of Kathy’s well-lived life include her warmth, sense of style, love of fun, competitive spirit, and above all, devotion to family. She was very proud of her children and adored her three granddaughters—Kylee, Kenzie, and Leila Joy—who brought her immeasurable happiness.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Steve; daughter, Stephanie (Justin); son, Matt (Sarah); and three cherished granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Esther Case, and her brother, Michael Case.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Des Moines Golf and Country Club on Sunday, June 28 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a brief program beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Charitable donations may be made to the Iowa State University Foundation—Steve and Kathy Zumbach Scholarship Fund.
You may share memories of Kathy on the Iles Jordan Creek Chapel website at: www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Jordan Creek Chapel.
May her memory be a blessing.
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| March, 2022 |
Velda James
Mary Miller
Marcella Yochum
Marcella was a slight woman but always impeccably dressed. Her outfits were coordinated down to her jewelry and shoes, which were often high heels!
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| June, 2021 |
Larry Cheeves
Donna Cheeves’ address is:
200 Brookside Dr.
#203 At Kennybrook
Grimes, IA 50111
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| February, 2020 |
With great sorrow I have learned that Richard Kimm has passed.
He was so kind to me when I had my heart bypass surgery. I will miss him.
... Bud
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| December, 2019 |
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Jo Yeates
Luke Bouthillier died in an auto accident 12/27/19.
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| April, 2019 |
Deon Burns
Jean Bowers
I have such fond memories of Jean. The many times we played bridge together, and also as team mates with her and Newt. The times we traveled to tournaments - Chicago; Omaha; Minneapolis. Our dinners togethers. Our cruise trip to Alaska and panning for gold. Picking cherries at the Brewsters. Jean wearing my dress when she married Newt.
She always had a smile on her face and embodied the caring special education teacher that she was. She was a devoted daughter to Lil and I loved seeing that relationship. She was so proud of Doug and rightly so. He grew to be an amazing young man.
Our condolences to the family. Jean will always have a special place in my heart.
- Evelyn Mintzer
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| February, 2018 |
Edwin Lewis
Phil McGee passed away in February of congestive heart failure after fighting lung cancer. Phil who with his wife, Karol, used to do daily bulletins for our regionals. There is no known obituary.
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