Kathleen Marie Lehnen

Kathleen Lehnen, 80, passed away on December 10, 2022. She was born on July 17, 1942 to Benjamin and Florence “Jelen” Barsick in Illinois. On March 17th, Kathleen married the love of her life Bill where they remained married for 60 years.

Kathleen found her passion in baking and decorating cakes. She received her certificate for cake decorating at the Wilton School. She even won an award for making the best chocolate cake and frosting. She also loved making a variety of cookies for the holidays and special decorated cakes for her family, especially her grandchildren’s birthdays.

Kathleen worked various jobs throughout her life including Hellzberg Diamonds, Cold Water Creek, H&R Block and Betts Cadillac, now called Willis Cadillac where she retired.

She was an exceptional wife and mother and the foundation of the family. She was the personal shopper of the family buying everything from household supplies to unique birthday gifts. Even though her health was failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her joy for life and hopeful spirit kept her pushing through. Kathleen also loved animals, especially cats. She took in several cats as her own over the years that were roaming free in her neighborhood.

Those left to cherish her memory are husband William B. Lehnen Sr.; children William (Traci) Lehnen Jr., Elizabeth A. Lehnen, Christine (Robert) Wetzler and Benjamin J. Lehnen; grandchildren Mike, Katie, Bree, Abigail (Ian), Anna, and Ian; sister Phyllis (Scott) Lentz; and brother-in-law Ramon. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a Rosary beginning at 6:30 PM at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

In honor of Kathleen and her unconditional love for animals, please consider donating to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.