Kathy D. Shepherd

Kathy D. Shepherd

August 28, 1956 – February 11, 2026

Kathy Dianne Shepherd, 69, St. Joseph, Missouri, went to heaven on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. She was truly an angel on earth - full of life, wisdom, grace, and unconditional love.

She was born August 28, 1956 in St. Joseph to Raymond and Opal (Bushnell) Wieneke.

Kathy was the devoted mother of two daughters, Claire Gallion (Jason) of Smithville, Missouri, and Amy Shoemaker (Travis) of Stewartsville, Missouri. She was the proud and adoring Grammy to her four beloved grandchildren - Jayce, Lukas, Tristan, and Garrett - who were the absolute joy of her life. She loved her family with every fiber of her being and was most proud of being their Mom and Grammy. Her love for her family was fearless, selfless, and unwavering.

For nearly four decades, from 1978 to 2017, Kathy served as a middle school teacher in the St. Joseph School District. Teaching was not simply her profession - it was her calling. She was gifted and extraordinary in the classroom, with a remarkable ability to make learning exciting and meaningful for her students. She brought energy, creativity, and enthusiasm into every lesson, inspiring curiosity and confidence in the children she taught. She saw potential where others saw difficulty and made every child feel valued and capable. Beyond her students, she mentored many teachers, helping them perfect their craft and shaping generations of educators. Her impact on St. Joseph will be felt for years to come.

Kathy was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt - often serving as a second mom to many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her father, Raymond Wieneke Sr.; her siblings Raymond Wieneke Jr. (Diane), and Jennifer Reed of Stewartsville, Missouri, Richard Wieneke (Debby) of Gravette, Arkansas; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Opal Elizabeth Wieneke.

Kathy was classy, brave, smart, and wonderfully quirky. She had a zest for life and a deep love for travel and adventure. She was fiercely loyal, an amazing friend, and showered those she loved with encouragement and strength. Her presence made people feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for. She also leaves behind eight beloved grand puppies and her cherished cat, Smudge.

To know Kathy was to experience kindness in its purest form. Though she will be profoundly missed, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the hearts of her family who will forever carry her love with them.

Her love remains - fearless, eternal, and woven into the hearts of all who knew her.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Thursday, February 19, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 18, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kathy's name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Autism Speaks, MOGS (Missouri German Shepherd Rescue), or SJSD Foundation School Lunch Debt Relief.

Online guest book and full obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.