Kathleen Medhus

1931 - 2025

Kathleen Medhus

May 19, 1931 - December 29, 2025

Kathleen Bridget (Curry) Medhus, 94, passed away peacefully at the Kahl Home in Davenport, Iowa.

A Mass and celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3209 60th Street, Moline, Ill. The Mass will be livestreamed on the Christ the King website. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St. A, Moline with a rosary prayed at 3:30 p.m. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline, Ill.

Kathleen was born in Parnell, Iowa, to John and Ellen I. (Clear) Curry. Kathleen contracted polio as a young girl, which affected the use of her left leg. Her determination and perseverance allowed her to learn remotely until she could attend school with her classmates. Following graduation from Marycrest College, she began her career as a librarian at Moline High School, where she retired as media chairperson, after 37 years.

She married Glenn L. Medhus on December 14, 1999 in Moline, Ill. He preceded her in death on July 19, 2021. Kathleen's exuberant determination to make every day count carried through the many adventures in her life, both before and during her marriage to Glenn. Together they traveled to Disney World and Universal Studios, Mexico, England, Ireland, Spain, Norway, and other countries. They spent many warm winter months in Hawaii and Florida!

Kathleen's Catholic faith and her Irish heritage were especially important to her. She was member of Christ the King Church and a former member of Sacred Heart Church, both of which are in Moline, Ill.

Kathleen's quiet perseverance was evident as she continued to live and thrive despite what "the rest of us" would consider a disability. Kathleen never complained about living with polio. She inspired many people with her independent spirit and eagerness to accept and overcome challenges. Kathleen was known for her sense of style and flair! She loved nice clothes and wore them proudly!

Kathleen kept very busy contributing time to her community through volunteering. She loved being involved with the Quad City Symphony, Quad City Arts, Miss Iowa Pageant, Miss Black Hawk Valley Pageant, the John Deere Classic, Zonta Club, and the Vander Veer Park group!

Survivors include her stepchildren, Anne (Gregory Westbrooks) of Blaine, Wash. Thomas Glenn Medhus, Milan, Ill.; step grandchildren, Dr. John Westbrooks (Dr. Sarah Horn) of Vancouver, BC, Canada, Dr. Michael Westbrooks (Partner Sara Tchang), Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii; step great grandchild, Elias Westbrooks, Vancouver, BC, Canada; cousins, Cheryl Brogla, Bettendorf, Iowa, Gerry (Martha) Brogla, West Palm Beach, Fla., Geralyn McQuary, Phoenix, Ariz.; nephews, Joe Welsh, Viola, Ill., Dan Welsh, Coralville, Iowa, and great nephew, John Luke Welsh, Coralville, Iowa.

Additional survivors include numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, great nephews and great niece, brothers in law: Terry (Barbara) Kramer, Jan (Stephanee) Kramer and their families. The list of survivors also includes the many dear friends whom Kathleen cherished having in her life- too numerous to name!

Kathleen was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret Ellen and John Welsh; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Tom and Pamela Kramer.

Kathleen's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Kathleen's caregivers: Connie, Debbie, Lisa, Nancy, and Phyllis. Their attention made it possible for Kathleen to remain in her own home as she wished.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Kahl Home in Davenport, for providing restful and sincere caring for Kathleen's last few days as well as Mercy One Hospice care!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Miss Iowa Pageant, Quad City Symphony or the Quad City Arts in memory of Kathleen.

Condolences may be left at RaffertyFunerals.com.