Kathy Gallaher

Kathy Gallaher, age 60, of Joice, Iowa, died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice with Pastor Bill Peters officiating.

Kathleen Fern (Hrubetz) Gallaher was born on March 9, 1952 in Mason City to parents Charles and Lucille (Knudtson) Hrubetz of Northwood, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Northwood High School, where she made many close and lifelong friends.

Kathy moved to Joice, where her two children, Rhonda and Derek, were born. Kathy worked at AC Neilson, the Joice Meat Locker, Winnebago Industries, and spent some time volunteering at Lake Mills Community School.  She began working at Fleetguard/Cummins in Lake Mills in 1987, where she proudly served the company with an exemplary work ethic just a couple months shy of 25 years. 

During her employment at Fleetguard/Cummins, she met David Gallaher.  On May 27, 1995, Kathy and Dave were united into marriage at Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice.  The couple made their home in rural Joice, where they created many wonderful memories filled with laughter and serving one another in love.  

For Kathy, the relationships she formed with others was the most important thing in her life.  She was constantly thinking and concerned for others, and more often than not, put others needs before her own.

  She had a servant heart, which is one of the things her family will remember the most about her.  When it came to her grandchildren, she was truly their number one fan!  You could find her sitting in the bleachers at sporting events, concerts, school programs, and many other extracurricular activities that her children and grandchildren participated in.  Her calendar was full of important dates, activities, anniversaries and birthdays.  She always made it a point to recognize her loved ones birthdays, and try to make their special days extra-special. Whether you were a friend or family member, she always made it a point to remember your birthday with a phone call, card, gifts, a visit, or her extra-special cakes, Rice Krispie bars, or peanut butter bars.  She also took great joy and honor in serving coffee and bars at her church.  She loved giving, whether it was in practical ways or just giving of herself in whatever way was needed.

Many wonderful and cherished memories were made with Kathy at the cabin in Longville, Minn.  She formed many treasured friendships with many of the people who also vacationed by the cabin, and enjoyed the outdoors and fishing. In addition, Kathy found her time at the cabin to be filled with peace and solitude in the north country.  

She will be missed by her husband, Dave, of Joice; children, Rhonda (Paul) Abele of Lake Mills, Iowa, Derek (Heathur) Aanrud of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mark Gallaher of Clear Lake, Iowa, Todd (Danette) Gallaher of Belmont, N.C., and Lori (Bob) Hasfjord of Clear Lake; and nine grandchildren, Landon Abele, Lane Abele, Kadin Abele, Korbin Abele, Austin Hasfjord, Matt Gallaher, Hannah Gallaher, Alyssa Gallaher, and Geoff Gallaher.  She is also survived by two brothers, Richard (Mary) Hrubetz and Ron (Rhonda) Hrubetz all of Joice; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Hrubetz of Mason City; a brother-in-law, Tom Gallaher, of Muscatine, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lucille; and two brothers, David Hrubetz and Loren Hrubetz.

You may contact the family with on-line condolences at:   www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.