Kathryn “Kathy” Kay Sibbel, 73, passed away May 9, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St.), with a Rosary following visitation at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, also at the church. Private inurnment will take place at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Kathy was born November 26, 1952, in Loup City, NE, to Paul and Fern Waldmann. She lived on a farm near Ord, NE, in her youth. She graduated from University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1975 with a degree in Early Childhood Development and Home Economics.

She married Rick Sibbel on August 17, 1974, and they lived in Lincoln, NE, before moving to Ames, IA, for Rick to complete veterinary school. They moved back to Nebraska and lived in O’Neill from 1979. During this time, Kathy worked as a teacher at St. Mary’s School and as a home consumer specialist for Nebraska Public Power. After a few months living in Grand Island, NE, they relocated to Ankeny, IA, in 1987.

Kathy began working at the YMCA and owned and taught at Creative Children Preschool for over 25 years. She poured her amazing energy, personality, and love for children and her community into her preschool, community, church, and service organizations for Ankeny during her 39-plus years living there. One of the many ways she made a big difference was her passion for helping others through Ankeny Rotary Club and Ankeny Service Center.

She was always thinking of others first. Kathy had a very infectious laugh and a unique way of making you feel special. Everyone looked forward to the next time they shared time with Kathy. She was just the best wife, mother, grandma, and friend to many, and everyone loved receiving her personalized gifts on their “special day.”

Kathy navigated cancer twice in her 40’s and was an inspiration to many as she made a constant positive difference in her day-to-day life. Her exceptional caring and helping others attitude earned her recognition as Ankeny Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2017.

Kathy is survived by her husband of over 51 years, Rick; son, Scott (Sarah) Sibbel; daughter, Amy (Joe) Fitzgerald; and grandsons, Sam Sibbel, Simon Sibbel, Callen Fitzgerald, and Cameron Fitzgerald. She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Ankeny Service Center.