Kathryn L. Kean

Kathryn Loraine (Koopman) Kean, age 90, of Cascade, Iowa, formerly of Epworth, was peacefully called home, surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Accura Health Center in Cascade.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, with Rev. Steve Garner officiating and Deacon Nick Elliott assisting. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth.

Kathryn was born on March 4, 1935, in Dyersville, Iowa, the daughter of Alphonse and Anastasia (Klocker) Koopmann. She received her education at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Farley.

On November 24, 1960, Kathryn married the love of her life, James R. Kean, at St. John’s Catholic Church in rural Placid, Iowa. Over the course of their 61-year marriage, Kathryn and James were truly inseparable partners. Their devotion to one another was quiet yet unwavering, rooted in shared faith, hard work, and a deep love for family. Together they built a home full of laughter, generosity, and love.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kathryn was also a woman of service. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 25 years at the Sisters of Charity BVM. She was a foster parent for many years and a charter member of the National Foster Parents Association. In her church and community, she served as a Religious Education teacher and 4-H leader, helping to shape the lives of countless young people with her patience and kindness.

Kathryn had a deep appreciation for life’s simple blessings. She loved gardening, especially tending to her flowers, and she delighted in finding beauty wherever it bloomed. She enjoyed antiquing, finding joy in the stories behind old treasures. But more than anything, she cherished time with her family, creating memories through everyday moments — sharing meals, conversations, and unconditional love.

Kathryn is survived by her children: Johnna Norpel of Richfield, MN; Gretchen Adams of Cape Girardeau, MO; Roxanne (Jeff) Simon of Farley; Rose (Alan) McQuillen of Peosta; Cindy (Phil) Cook of Dubuque; and by her daughter-in-law, Denise Freeman of Cascade. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Pat (Deanna) Koopmann of Dubuque; Gerald (Joann) Koopmann and Ambrose (Marlene) Koopmann, both of Epworth; Tom (Helen) Koopmann of Cascade; and Fred and Steve Koopmann, both of Bennett; and brother-in-law, Jerome Kramer of Dyersville.

She will be remembered fondly by many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by her presence and generous heart.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James R. Kean; her parents, Alphonse and Anastasia Koopmann; five children: Troy Kean, Dennis Kean, Aaron Kean, Sherry Messer, and Daniel Freeman; her great-granddaughter Olivia Barrett; her son-in-law, Keith Adams; two sisters: Sr. Shawn Marie Koopmann, PBVM, and Lois Kramer; one brother: Dan (Nancy) Koopmann; her in-laws Clyde and Anna Delores Kean; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law: Robert (Susan) Kean, John Kean, Donald Johnson, and Norma Kean.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Kathryn’s behalf to The Alzheimer’s Society or the Epworth community food pantry. 

An online video tribute and condolences may be shared at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com