Kathryn Buckley, 74

May 13, 1948 —

April 1, 2023

 

ELMA - Kathryn C. Buckley, age 74, of Elma, Iowa passed away on April 1, 2023 at MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa, with her family by her side to help see her to her heavenly reward.

A private funeral mass will be held on April 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lourdes, Iowa. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Schley, Iowa. Online condolences may be directed to www.conwaymarkham.com.

Kathryn Cecelia was born May 13, 1948, the daughter of Albert and Grace (Svoboda) Andera in Cresco, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Crestwood High School. After graduating, Kathryn went on to obtain her LPN. She worked as a nurse in Iowa City and then Mason City. 

While out with her sisters at a dance at the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville, Iowa Kathryn caught the eye of Thomas Buckley . . . and their story grew from there. The couple were united in marriage on Oct. 15, 1971, at Holy Cross Church in Schley. They made their home in rural Elma, where they welcomed their three children, Amy, Chad and Todd. For nearly 52 years, Kathryn worked side-by-side with her husband on their family farm.

Most importantly, she was a selfless woman, always putting everyone else ahead of herself. She was a hardworking farm wife who always had the cabs and windows clean on all the red machinery in the spring and fall. She was the best mom (aka “Dave”…because she was always making sure her three little chipmunks were cared for) her kids could have possibly had. She made sure to equip them with what’s needed to “keep moving forward” in life. 

Kathryn was also a mom to more than just her own children, being that person to fill their needs, too. She was that listening ear and lifeline to talk sense into those closest to her. She was a caretaker of all the furry animals that needed help, always having a treat nearby to brighten their day, too. 

She loved her husband, her kids, her extra (honorary) kids, her siblings, her close friends, and the farm with her flowers, plants, garden and yard that she had to keep just a certain way. Her travels during her younger years turned into a love for planning family vacations out West that will always be remembered. 

During this tough time, Kathryn showed her loved ones she is still close at hand when they need that listening ear and lifeline to talk sense into them. They take comfort in knowing she finally made it to her ‘Mountain Retreat’ and is waiting for those she loved.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tom. She lives on through her three little chipmunks, Amy Buckley, Chad (Shelley) Buckley and Todd Buckley; honorary daughters, Kelsey Andera and Kimberly (Scott) Fett; granddaughter, Miranda (Chad & Shelley); and siblings, Mary Ann Andera, Norma (Al) Hoerler, Rita (Quinten) Pitzen, Marvin (Marti) Andera and Don (Donna) Andera. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Grace Andera, in heaven.