In Loving Memory
Kathryn "Kay" Kibbie
May 21, 1939 - May 1, 2022

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Kay Kibbie Memorial Garden.

VISITATION
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Bill Schreiber

INTERMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Kathryn Ann Kibbie, daughter of Francis "Sass" and Kathryn Maxine (Devine) McNally, was born May 21, 1939, at her  family's home in Emmetsburg, Iowa.  She was baptized at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg.  Kay began her education at St. Ellen's Catholic Grade School and then went on to graduate from Emmetsburg Catholic High School.  Kay's first job was working at her family's restaurant, B & M Café, from the time she was in 7th grade until she graduated.

On July 7, 1959 Kay was united in marriage to Tom Dietrich.  They were blessed with five children.  In 1968 the Dietrich family moved to New Holstein, Wisconsin to work and to be near some of her siblings.  After returning to Iowa in 1976, Kay and Tom owned and operated Dietrich Grocery Chain in Cylinder.  Kay was also employed by the Sheriff's office from 1980-1990 and Snap-On Tools.

On December 7, 1990 Kay was married to John P. "Jack" Kibbie at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ayrshire.  Kay joined  Jack at the Iowa State Senate in January 1991, serving as his clerk.  Kay made countless friends, on both sides of the aisle, while serving at the State Capitol.  She was one of three individuals that trained new clerks each year and was a former president of the Ladies Legislative League.

Kay was a faithful and devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.   Kay shared her love of gardening and flowers by caring for the planters in front of the church and at Corrigan Hall.  She was a former president and current member of the Palo Alto County Garden Club and was a Master Gardener.  She was also a member of the Palo Alto County Hospital Auxiliary and the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Kay's passion was gardening and beautification of her yard, Emmetsburg, her church and EVERYWHERE!  She was instrumental, along with Jane Whitmore, in getting the signage and landscaping completed at the entrances to the City of Emmetsburg.  Kay loved living in Emmetsburg and she was especially proud of her Irish heritage.  She and Jack had the joy of traveling to several foreign countries throughout their marriage.  They worked as a team in Des Moines, promoting Iowa and earning the respect of fellow senators, legislators and lobbyists.  They were known as "The Legends" at the Capitol and had just taken a trip to Des Moines on March 31, where they were greeted by countless friends.

Kay passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022, at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 82.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Sass and Maxine McNally; an infant brother, Philip McNally; brother, Jim McNally; sister-in-law, Lorrie (Graham) McNally; grandson, Jacob Dietrich; and step daughter, Jackie Kibbie.

She is survived by her husband, John P. "Jack" Kibbie of Emmetsburg, IA; her children, John (Sandra) Dietrich of Le Center, MN, Debra (Mark) Walsh of Emmetsburg, IA, Connie (Steve) Brockhaus of Moville, IA, Kevin (Ann) Dietrich of Fort Pierce, FL, and Jeff Dietrich of St. Peter, MN; fifteen grandchildren; twenty two great grandchildren; step children, Luanne (Greg) Kibbie Kustra of Carroll, IA, Patrick (Deb) Kibbie of Emmetsburg, IA, James (Kay) Kibbie of Emmetsburg, IA, Margaret (Mark) Blais of Panama City, FL and Kori (Bill) Huberty of Emmetsburg, IA; nine step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren; brothers, Charlie McNally of Emmetsburg, IA, Paul McNally of Emmetsburg, IA, and John (Peg) McNally of Emmetsburg, IA; sisters, Mary Jeanne (John) Kacmarynski of Sturgeon Bay, WI, Patty (Bob) Grace of Altoona, IA, Linda (Larry) Bangart of Chilton, WI, and Sheila McNally of Emmetsburg, IA; sister-in-law, Kris McNally of New Holstein, WI; many nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home