/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/2383/536029/FbVLs1bOroLrsmBXKathrynSibbelobitphoto.png)
Obituary For Kathryn Kay Sibbel
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 interment 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.
Send flowers to the service of Kathryn Kay Sibbel
Services
Visitation
Rosary
Mass of Christian Burial
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence/religious/fish.jpg)
Ric, Peg and I want to send you a message of love and condolence. John Wedeking
Rick, Scott, Amy: Please accept my condolences at your profound loss. I met Kathy when she became our first Home Consumer Specialist at the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture. Wow, what a whirlwind she was: so enthusiastic, so engaging, so willing and desirous of making a positive difference for Iowa consumers. The big smile, the hearty laugh, the bountiful ideas - she was special, and made a difference!! She loved Nebraska, but made Iowa her home. She connected with so many great people across agriculture, especially the Consumer Specialists from the commodity groups: Nancy Degner, Joyce Binning, Lois Kiester, and many more. That was a long time ago but it was a gift to have someone like her who did her job well, and made everyone around her better. It is a blessing to have known her for a brief moment! God Bless!!
Rick and family, I worked with Kathy at NPPD in O'Neill many years ago! She was such a nice person, may you all cherish the many memories that you have shared.
Rick and Family, I regret that I never knew your wife/mother but the minute I saw that she spelled her name the way my Irish nana did, I wished that I had enjoyed the privilege of meeting her. Rick, it's been a while since we worked together but as veterinarians of the same generation and graduation year, we saw many things the same way. I know you are a man of strong character and integrity. That will serve you and your family at this difficult time. I hope that in this moment of extreme loss, you and your family might eventually be lifted up by the prayers of your friends and that the pain of Kathryn's passing might in some manner, be obtunded by the many wonderful memories of your shared past. May your fond memories of Kathryn be eternal and may the peace of Christ which surpasses all human understanding, be upon you during this challenging life transition. With heartfelt condolences, Dr. Rick DeBowes
Rick, Scott, Amy, and all the family. My memories are of my younger cousin as we grew up together in the hills (aka Bohemian Alps) of Valley County, attending our one room country school, Geranium Church, and innumerable family gatherings. It has been such a pleasure to get to know you these recent years. She will always be with you in your hearts.
Rick, I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn't get the privilege of getting to know her closely, but felt I knew her through you and the deep love you've had for her. You're both a great example of what every marriage should look like. Hugs to you Rick.
Kathy was an angel and a guardian to my little Sofia during her time as a Rotary exchange student in Ankeny. Thank you for all the beauty and kindness you gave and left with our daughter. We are eternally grateful to that beautiful soul.
Dear Rick and family, my heart aches for you at this time of great loss. Kathy was just the most amazing woman, so kind and selfless. She spread joy just by walking in a room. You are in my prayers while you navigate this difficult time but I know you find peace that she is with her Lord and Savior lighting up heaven!
I only knew Kathy three years (through Rotary) but instantly knew her love for children and education. She was always doing something to serve others. God bless her generous heart!
Ankeny lost a leader and difference maker for sure. Kathy's energy and love of others was infectious and constant. She was one of the most deserving Citizen's award winners of all time. She and Rick had a great family who will miss her...as will our grateful town.
