Kathryn Noel Obituary

Kathryn Lea (Schaefer) Noel, 95, of Des Moines, Iowa, beloved wife, mother and best friend to her late husband, Dale, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.

Kay was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 4, 1928. She was an only child to Christ and Cloe Schaefer. At six months of age, Kay and her parents moved to California where they lived until moving back to Baxter, Iowa in 1932, where Kay ultimately graduated from Baxter High School in 1946. Shortly after graduation, Kay moved to Des Moines and worked in a typing pool for an insurance company. This is where she met her future husband Dale Noel in 1947 and later married in March 1948. To this union were born three children, Gary, Marguerite and Lee.

Kay enjoyed many adventures during 72 years of marriage to Dale. Having traveled to Europe, Canada, Hawaii and most of the U.S.

Kay was an avid camper for many years. Having started with a borrowed tent, then purchased their first trailer (fold down) and eventually moved up to travel trailers and 5th wheels. They belonged to numerous camping clubs in central Iowa and held many positions on the boards of these organizations.

Kay was involved in many bowling leagues throughout her life in the Des Moines area.

Kay worked for the Urbandale school system having started in 1967 and retired in 1989 from the school lunch program.

Kay is survived by her three children, Gary (Kellie) Noel, Marguerite Noel and Lee (Lorraine) Noel; four grandchildren, Missey Roush, Shay Noel, Josh Noel and Justin Noel; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Christ Schaefer and Cloe (Dodd) Schaefer; her loving husband, Dale Noel and granddaughter, Chante Noel.

The family would like to thank the trauma staff at Mercy Lakeside as well Mercy downtown. Their care was both professional and heartwarming. Their dedication and efforts provided Kay with comfort and quality of care we all want for our family members.

Visitation will begin at 1pm, Sunday, August 6, 2023 followed by a funeral service at 2pm, at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa. Cremation will follow the service and interment will be held at 1pm, Monday, August 7, 2023 at Restland Cemetery, Baxter, Iowa. Memorial contributions can be made to the Easter Seals or Blank Children's Hospital. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

The funeral service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. Please go to Kay's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com for the link.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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