Kathryn Ramaekers

Kathryn (Kay) Ramaekers, the daughter of Edward and Mary Bernadette (Arts) Holder, was born Nov. 27, 1937, in Carroll and passed from this life March 16 at Mercy One Des Moines Medical Center at the age of 82 years, three months and 19 days.

Kay grew up in Carroll and was a member of the first graduating class from Kuemper Catholic High School in 1955. She then attended AIB Business College in Des Moines. 

Kay Holder met Walter (Ozzie) Ramaekers at the Starline Ballroom in Carroll and they were married Dec. 22, 1956, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Three children were born to this union and Kay was a stay-at-home mom and raised her family.

In 1973, the family moved to Jefferson, where Kay was a business partner with Ozzie in a dry-cleaning business. Kay did sewing and alterations and ran her own drapery and window covering business, Kay’s Kustoms.

Kay retired in 2000. She enjoyed camping, traveling, playing bridge and gardening. For many years, Kay and Ozzie spent weekends camping at Cutty’s Camp Grounds near Des Moines, where she loved going shopping and they would eat out at various places. They also spent several winters in Texas.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Ozzie; three children and their spouses: Laura and Boyd Knosp, of Iowa City; Joseph and Kim Ramaekers, of Rolfe; and Robert and Karen Ramaekers, of Urbandale; six granddaughters; five grandsons; and two great-granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Donald; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A celebration of Kay’s life is planned to be held at a later day.

Brown Funeral Home is assisting the family.