Kathleen Mertes

Des Moines -

Kathleen (Kathy) Mertes, 69, passed away from cancer on March 31, 2021 at home in Des Moines, IA. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Kathy was born on July 27, 1951 to Edward and Pauline (Wachter) Mertes. She grew up on a farm north of Adair, IA. She graduated as valedictorian of Adair Casey High School class in 1969. She attended college at UNI, DMACC, and U of I where she earned her LPN and RN degrees and worked as a mental health nurse most of her nursing career. She later attended UNI after her daughter, Sarah, was born and graduated with a degree in computer science. She most recently lived in downtown Des Moines and retired from EMC Insurance as a computer programmer.

She enjoyed reading and puns and was a master of crosswords. She had a great sense of humor and always looked forward to the Iowa State Fair and the 80-35 music festival.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah (Nathan) Smith and grandchild, Lanna, of Des Moines and sister Janet (Rick) Witt.

Memorial contributions can be made to John Stoddard Cancer Center or the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.