Kathie Lynn Hicok

Hey all, you're reading this because I, Kathie Schindel Hicok, born January 18, 1970, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, finally beat my battle with pancreatic cancer. It can no longer live in my body.

Over the years, I spent my time as a DC-G band mom and school board member, independent travel agent, Mentor Iowa board member, Kids Campus board member, Des Moines Metro Opera volunteer, Farrell's instructor and coach, and avid Green Bay Packers fan.

I have been so very blessed with a social work career spanning 35 years, including Child Protection in Polk County, Iowa, and school social work at Des Moines Public Schools and Heartland AEA. While working as a school social worker, I was a truancy court coordinator, led the districts' grief response teams, mentored new school social workers, and dedicated myself to our most vulnerable, at-risk students and families. I was very honored to receive the Iowa School Social Worker of the Year award in 2017.

But in my mind, none of this compares to having the most amazing family and friends to call my village. You all know who you are. My greatest accomplishment in life is my love and care for my family. I would never take anything away from my career or other accomplishments, but my family will always be what I am most proud of.

Kent and I were married fresh out of Wartburg College after an amazing proposal of "Wanna?" - you can ask him for the full story if you want more details. It seems to have worked out for the last 34 years. We were blessed with two children, Kaylah and Kole, and dedicated our adult life to raising them with everything we had and providing them with the skills, compassion, and care that I hope will carry them forward through this difficult time. And I know that we have provided them with a village that will help them through as well.

And that is as much of this as I'm writing. I'll leave the rest of it to Kent and the kids, because I know that will be healing for them to include their memories of me and not just my memories of me.

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Kathie Lynn Schindel Hicok, 56, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Kathie was born to Margaret Seidl of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and grew up in a large and loving family. She was blessed with several dads throughout her life and was welcomed into each of their families as well. She spent much of her childhood running around with her brother and cousins on the Schindel family farm as well as being an active member of her church's youth group. After graduating from Preble High School in 1987, Kathie attended Wartburg College, where she majored in social work and psychology, made lifelong friends, and met the love of her life.

Kathie and Kent raised their kids and built their life in Dallas Center, Iowa. Kathie's devotion to her family and friends was evident in all she did. She showed up to support, take pictures, and record video at literally every event in her children's lives, often serving as an honorary mom for others throughout the years of fine arts events. When not at events, she loved spending time with her family and friends playing board games, watching movies, and just hanging out and talking for hours.

Kathie was an integral presence in every community she joined, serving in numerous volunteer leadership roles and offering calm, organized, and steady guidance. Her kindness, patience, and genuine interest in others' life stories allowed her to form meaningful connections and lasting friendships.

Traveling with her family was one of Kathie's greatest joys, and she embraced every opportunity to experience the world and make priceless memories. Her love for adventure made her an excellent vacation planner for her family long before she became an independent travel agent. Her passion and skill led to incredible trips with her family, and she took great joy in helping other families create meaningful memories of their own.

Kathie is survived by her husband Kent of Dallas Center; children Kaylah (Jordan) and Kole (Victoria); mother Margaret; dads Dan, Cal, Mike, and Richard; sisters Stacy (Nathan) and Brianne (Justin); parents-in-law Larry and Sharon; brothers-in-law Kurt (Cyndi) and Kevin (Bridie); many nieces and nephews; and grand-pets. She is preceded in death by her grandparents; dad Tom; and brother Gilbert.

All services will take place at Country Lane Lodge (29300 Prospect Cir, Adel, Iowa). Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and will continue Friday morning beginning at 9:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, followed by interment at the Booneville Cemetery. Please join us following the services for lunch and time to share memories of Kathie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, with the hope of creating a fund in Kathie's memory.