Kay Howard
DES MOINES — Kay Howard passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, December 14th. There will be a private family service. Kay was a wonderful wife and mother. She was born January 11, 1938 in Fairmont, Minn. to Harold and Helen Edman. She had a delightful childhood with many friends and slumber parties that continued into her 80’s. Kay met her husband, Steve, in high school and married a couple years after they graduated Fairmont High. Kay attended Hamline, Gustavus and Mankato State before moving to Des Moines with Steve to start a family and grow Iowa Road Builders, the family business. Kay and Steve were married 65 years, and raised 3 children – Tom, Kris, and Jeff.
Kay had many interests. Travel was at the top of her list, having visited at least 115 countries and still counting, with her favorite country being India which she visited 5 times. There was no place too intimidating for her adventurous spirit, whether it be the Amazon Jungle, the Himalayas in Nepal and Bhutan, the safari’s and deserts of Africa, and the mountains and plains of China and Mongolia. Kay was also an avid and accomplished photographer, having won Best of Show at the Iowa State Fair. Although not a sun worshipper, Kay loved lake life, having grown up on a lake in Fairmont, she loved summers at Okoboji, Cotton Lake and Lake Panorama. A keen eye for fashion and decorating, she made each home unique with her classic contemporary style that also reflected her life’s travels and memories.
Travel, photography, and decorating aside, her real passion was conversation and laughter with a glass of wine. She relished the simple moments with family and friends. A kind soul that never imposed her will on anyone, and accepted that each person needed to spread their wings and learn to fly.
Kay will be deeply missed by her husband, Steve; son, Tom (Karlen); daughter, Kris Sullivan (Tom). Their grandchildren included Ryan Howard (Cassondra), Chad Howard (Natia), Allie Howard (Garrett), Nicole Sullivan and Dylan Sullivan. Kay also had 3 great grandchildren – Henry and Maya (Ryan And Cassondra’s), and Wells (Chad and Natia’s).
Preceding her in death were her son, Jeff, her parents, Harold and Helen Edman, brother, Carl and sister, Nancy.
The Howard family would like to extend a special thanks to the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center for all of their care and compassion. And a shout out to her special friend, Paulette Godwin, for her kindness and humor over these past several months. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a contribution to your favorite charity during this holiday season.
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