Kathy Rae Burns

Kathy Rae Burns, age 69, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away on July 10, 2025, at CHI Health Bergan Mercy, due to complications following a courageous battle after a stroke. As a proud registered organ donor, Kathy's final act was a true reflection of the love and compassion she carried throughout her life.

Born on May 30, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Rollis and Louise Anna (Nicholson) Kappmeyer. Kathy graduated from high school in Excelsior Springs, Missouri in 1974.

On June 20, 1981, Kathy married the love of her life, Mark Burns. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Kimberly, Kelly, and Michael.

While raising her family, Kathy also worked as a paralegal Secretary, a job in which she found great fulfillment, while establishing lifelong friendships.

To know Kathy was to love her. Her love for her family was endless and extended naturally to her children's friends. She was a devoted member of the St. Albert Ambassador Club and a previous member of the Optimist Club. Kathy found joy in life's simple pleasures-garage sales, Goodwill shopping, home décor, get togethers on the deck, planting her flowers and mowing the lawn. Kathy was most happy when she was with Mark in the stands or on the sidelines getting 'bleacher butt' while cheering on her children and grandchildren at ALL their sporting & school events. Kathy was their most loyal fan and loudest, proudest supporter.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Rollis & Louise Anna (Nicholson) Kappmeyer; infant brother, Kevin Kappmeyer; mother-in-law, Beatrice Burns; and infant grandson, Hunter Burns.

She is survived by her loving & loyal husband of 44 years, Mark Burns; her children, Kim (Josh) Keister, Kelly Olsen, Michael Burns, and Amy (Sean) Seibels; her brother, Kent (Loretta) Kappmeyer; and her treasured grandchildren: Alex, Stella, Jack, Knox, Ezra, Natalie, Maggie, and Owen. Kathy is also survived by her father-in-law, James E. Burns, multiple brother and sister in laws; Bro Jim Burns, Ann Marie Baker, Jeannine & Steve Oakley, Tim & Mikki Burns, Patrice Burns & Pete Killoran, Cindy & Paul St. George; and a large circle of extended family and dear friends who all meant so much to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Council Bluffs, IA. Inurnment will follow at Garner Township Cemetery. All are welcome to join the family for a luncheon and celebration of Kathy's life in the church's social hall afterward.

In honor of Kathy's love for Catholic education, memorial donations may be directed to Saint Albert Catholic Schools.