Kathi Kadolph

With heavy hearts, the family of Kathryn “Kathi” Kadolph announces her passing on November 23, 2024, at the age of 72. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Kathi’s warmth and kindness left an enduring impact on everyone she met. 

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Kathi Kadolph was born on September 2, 1952, in Blue Earth, MN, the daughter of Virgil and LaVonne (Voldahl) Graue. She grew up in Rake, IA, where she and her three sisters were raised and attended school. Kathi was an active member of the high school cheerleading squad, participated in band as an expert in twirling the baton, and represented Rake as their Band Queen at the North Iowa Band Festival. She graduated from Rake High School in 1970 before moving to Mason City, IA, to attend Hamilton Business College where she obtained a degree in Fashion Merchandising.

During her college years, Kathi spent her summers waitressing at the Ritz Supper Club in Clear Lake. In 1979, she began her professional journey at Clear Lake Bank & Trust, where she built a remarkable 38-year career. Initially hired as Ray Hewitt’s personal secretary, she was promoted to several roles of increasing responsibility over the years, ultimately serving as Vice President of Human Resources. Kathi was deeply passionate about her work at the bank, building lifelong friendships and connections through her dedication and active involvement with the Clear Lake Area Chamber First Mates and various North Iowa community events.

Kathi met the love of her life, Roger, while at Hamilton Business College. It was love at first sight for him when he spotted Kathi across the hall in a classroom. Mustering the courage to ask her out, Roger invited her to a Friday night football game in Ventura. Little did Kathi know, that night would be the first of many more football games. After eleven (that’s not a typo) years of dating, Kathi and Roger married on August 28, 1982. Kathi’s lifelong dream of becoming a mother was realized with the birth of their first son, Clint, in 1987, followed by the birth of their second son, Cody, in 1989. 

Kathi never missed a sporting event for her two beloved sons, no matter the season or sport (including more football games), while also finding time to enjoy her favorite hobbies, including walking, bowling, golfing, and relaxing by any body of water with family and friends. Along with Roger, Kathi treasured their annual family trips to Florida, as well as visits to her sons in their respective cities.

One of Kathi’s family’s most cherished recent memories was her shining as the “Dancing Queen” at Clint and his wife Ashlee’s wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in 2022. Shortly thereafter, Kathi was blessed with the birth of her first grandson, Cooper, who quickly became the "star of the show" in the Kadolph family. Kathi dreamed that Cooper would be the first of many grandchildren, eventually including at least one granddaughter. For the record, she equally adored her second son, Cody, who can still hear her voice proudly cheering him on during sporting events as the most distinguished athlete in the family (so far). 

Kathi is survived by her husband, Roger Kadolph of Ventura, IA; sons, Clint (Ashlee) Kadolph of Kentfield, CA, and Cody Kadolph of Chicago, IL; grandson, Cooper Kadolph ("Coop"); mother, LaVonne Graue of Lake Mills, IA; sisters, Brenda (Roger) Ankeny of Lampe, MO; Susan Farrow of Rochester, MN; and Mary Jones of Des Moines, IA; mother-in-law, Edna Kadolph; in-laws, Carole Kadolph of Littleton, CO; Michael Kadolph of Centennial, CO; and Nancy (Sean) Wenner of Eagan, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathi was preceded in death by her father, Virgil Graue, and her infant brother, Michael.

Kathi will be honored in a visitation on Friday, November 29 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel (310 1^stAvenue North, Clear Lake). Visiting hours are from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30 at 10:30 am at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel with a celebration of life reception at Ventura Community Center (101 Sena Street, Ventura) to follow at 12:00 pm. 

Sincere gratitude to Ashley Groves and Shannon Schwenn, who provided home care and continued support, along with St. Croix Hospice at Oakwood Care Center for taking the best of care for Kathi on her final journey home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Croix Hospice or Redeemer Lutheran Church (of Ventura, Iowa) on Kathi’s behalf.