Kathryn Kay Schechinger

May 13, 1938 - January 16, 2022

Kathryn “Kay” Schechinger was born May 13, 1938 in Neola, Iowa to Albert and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Stangl. Kay attended St. Joseph’s School in Neola, Iowa where she was baptized and confirmed. During her high school years she played basketball and had a paper route. After graduation in 1956, she continued her education at Mercy School of Nursing and graduated in 1959. Kay met Jim Schechinger and was united in marriage in 1961. They were blessed with 5 children, Pat, Jay, Carol, Ken and Dave. On January 22, 1990, sadness hit the family with the death of Jim, their beloved husband & father. With Kay’s love and understanding, she was determined to use this tragedy to bring her family closer and to make sure her children “Loved” the way Jim loved her. After marriage, Kay became a member of St. Boniface Church where she was active with church activities such as Rosary Society and parish picnics. She was also a member of Shelby County Porkettes. In 1999, Kay moved into her current house in Harlan, Iowa. Kay was happiest when spending time with family and friends. She looked forward to attending grandchildren’s activities, making chicken noodle soup for her family, and let’s not forget those competitive games of spinner with her grandkids! Kay loved to play bingo and was also known to take a few trips to the casino. Kay worked at Mercy Hospital, Myrtue Memorial Hospital, Elm Crest Retirement Community and Iowa Western Community College at the CNA program and tested CPR students for the State. Kay volunteered at the Blood Mobiles and St. Michael’s Church with activities such as the food pantry collection and taking communion to shut-ins. As the family found out in her most recent hospital stay, with her positive influence and desire to teach, Kay has blessed so many in the nursing community. Kay passed away on January 16, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim; her parents; 4 brothers, Sam, Casey, Kenneth and Warren; 1 sister Marietta and her mother-in-law Annabel. She is survived by her children Pat (John) Snyder of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Jay (Cindy) Schechinger of Westphalia, Iowa, Carol (Patrick) Masker of Minden, Iowa, Kenny (Kate) Schechinger of Westphalia, Iowa, Dave (Ann) Schechinger of Kansas City, Missouri; 14 grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends, Sister Jolene Wetmore and sister–in-laws Agnes Wehr, Jane Ragsdale, Joyce (Stan) Ulmer, Margaret Schechinger and a very close friend, Colleen McLaughlin.