Kathryn (Kay) Whipple

October 25, 1942 — October 10, 2024

Kathryn Whipple

Service Details

Kathryn (Kay) May (Arnquist) Whipple – beloved wife, mother and nana – was born in Duluth, MN on October 25, 1942. She passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024.

Kay leaves behind one son, Marty Whipple and daughters, Brenda Whipple (Mike Youngberg) and Wendy Rettenmeier (Todd); and her grandson, Will Rettenmeier (Hannah); sister, Karen Hansen (David); and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Violet Arnquist and her husband, Harold Whipple.

Growing up, Kay enjoyed and excelled at sewing, playing the piano and was active in 4H. After high school, Kay attended her first two years of college at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She transferred to Iowa State University for her Junior and Senior years, majoring in textile design. Kay met Harold Whipple on a blind date while at Iowa State and the two were married August 31, 1963.

Kay called many places home after college, but spent significant time in Ainsworth, NE, Centerville, IA and Lacona, IA. Wherever she lived, Kay was always active in the local sewing, crafting, 4H and PEO communities.

Kay was a talented artist in numerous mediums: sewing, needlework, wood carving, and quilting. Kay sewed all the family’s clothes and was always crafting something. Kay served as a judge at various 4-H sewing competitions. She won the Make-It-Yourself with Wool competition several times. Kay also became the at-home sales representative for Leiter’s fabrics and taught Bishop Sewing Classes as part of Adult Education through the extension service in Ainsworth. Kay’s sewing room was always busy, and she taught her craft to many.

Kay spent her retirement years’ building – she joyfully built businesses, experiences and relationships.

Together with Harold, she started Elegant Edges, a fine art frame shop, out of their home, in Centerville. Kay’s artistry was on full display as she worked with customers to design beautiful mats to complement their prints. Kay and Harold became fast friends with several local and regional artists. Some of their friend’s original works of art were lovingly hung on Kay’s walls for years.

Never ones to sit idly by Elegant Edges was sold and the “Picture Perfect” fishing trawler was purchased with a vision of boating on the Great Lakes. Even though Kay and Harold had never owned a boat, they headed to Lake Michigan for the summer. In no time they became champion anglers, winning several fishing tournaments and hosting many friends and relatives for a day on the lake.

Kay’s final ‘retirement’ project was Bluebird Family Farm, a 70-acre piece of land just north of Lacona, IA. Kay’s only ask of the new house was that it include a large sewing room, which she got. She put her amazing sewing skills to work with a new adventure – quilting. And WOW, was she talented! Some of her favorite quilts were memory quilts crafted from a loved one’s clothing. She proudly displayed a beautiful quilt made from her father’s clothing that hung on her quilt rack.

While at the farm, Kay fulfilled her most dear role – Nana – to her only grandchild, Will. Her greatest love was sharing time with him. She loved having Will come to farm to put up Blue Bird houses, create special “Christmas trees” for the deer, shoot trap and generally just hang out with her. Every trip was special. Kay taught Will to sew, set the table, drive the Ranger down ‘Rollercoaster Hill’ – hands up high – and explore the ‘secret spot.’ She also taught him that eating ice cream for breakfast was absolutely acceptable. Will learned many life skills at the farm and Kay and Harold took him exploring all around the country.

In 2015, Kay and Harold made the difficult decision to sell Bluebird Family Farm and move to a retirement community in Indianola, IA. Kay and Harold both became integral participants in the Independent Living groups – hosting impromptu gatherings, Dino Races (using Dinosaurs crafted by Harold) and enjoyed sipping wine on their porch.

Kay never knew a stranger. All were welcome and before you knew it you were probably wrangled into some volunteer work or activity in the community. Many experienced her generosity and caring and are better for it.

Kay and the love of her life, Harold, were both diagnosed with Dementia, on the same day at the same appointment. They entered the most difficult time of their beautiful journey together side-by-side and arm-in-arm, just like they lived their lives. The family of Harold and Kay worked to support them with honor, grace, respect and love during this difficult time. In fact, these factors became guardrails for making heart-breaking, difficult decisions and for taking action.

After battling valiantly together, both Harold and Kay have completed their journey, and they are off on a new adventure – as it should be.

The family will celebrate Harold and Kay’s lives privately. We ask that you honor their memory by hugging a caregiver, helping someone in need or donating to a local charity. And say cheers to them with a lovely glass of wine (or bourbon) and a cookie. They would love that.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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